Chapel Hill vs Durham: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,283▲ | $33,999 |
| Hourly Rate | $16.48▲ | $16.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,017 | $24,171▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,308▲ | $27,287 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,193▲ | $42,254 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,139▲ | $48,687 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 620▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill, NC offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Durham is $284 (0.84%). Chapel Hill's median is +12.96% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $29,122,Durham spans $24,516. Chapel Hill 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, Chapel Hill ($36,627 effective) pays 5.11% more than Durham ($34,845 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($34,283/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,139)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $36,627)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Chapel Hill grew -22.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -29.7% growth in Durham over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$42,982 (2024) → $33,506 (2025)
Durham, NC
$47,270 (2021) → $33,228 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Chapel Hill or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chapel Hill and Durham?
Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Durham as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Chapel Hill vs Durham?
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