Augusta vs Smyrna: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Augusta, GA and Smyrna, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Smyrna, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $31,945▲ | $26,933 |
| Hourly Rate | $15.36▲ | $12.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,922▲ | $19,702 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,892▲ | $22,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,676▲ | $34,010 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $44,723▲ | $41,746 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Augusta and Smyrna is $5,012 (18.61%). Augusta's median is +5.26% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $22,801,Smyrna spans $22,044. Augusta 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, Augusta ($34,759 effective) pays 20.15% more than Smyrna ($28,929 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($31,945/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($44,723)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $34,759)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Augusta grew -30.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -39.1% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$44,660 (2021) → $31,221 (2025)
Smyrna, GA
$43,255 (2024) → $26,322 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Smyrna, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Augusta or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Smyrna as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Augusta vs Smyrna?
Related Comparisons
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