Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,283▲ | $32,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $16.48▲ | $15.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,017▲ | $22,035 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,308▲ | $26,759 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,193 | $43,536▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,139 | $55,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 900▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill and Raleigh are closely matched on overall medical billing and coding specialist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $2,035 (6.31%). 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,Raleigh spans $33,720. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($36,627 effective) pays 11.49% more than Raleigh ($32,853 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 purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $36,627)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,755)
- ✓Larger job market (900 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 -20.8% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$42,982 (2024) → $33,506 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$39,790 (2021) → $31,517 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Chapel Hill or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chapel Hill and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Raleigh as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Chapel Hill vs Raleigh?
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