Aiken vs Columbia: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Aiken, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $31,213 | $37,180▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $15.01 | $17.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,258▲ | $22,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,697 | $29,109▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $39,244▲ | $37,180 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,279▲ | $42,474 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 640▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Columbia is $5,967 (19.12%). Columbia's median is +22.51% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $25,021,Columbia spans $19,869. Aiken has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($39,696 effective) pays 16.37% more than Aiken ($34,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,279)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,180/year)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,696)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Aiken grew -20.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -19.5% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$38,108 (2024) → $30,505 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$45,140 (2021) → $36,337 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Aiken or Columbia?
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Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov