Charlottesville vs Salem: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,150▲ | $27,462 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.87▲ | $13.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,507▲ | $19,405 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,902▲ | $24,406 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,091▲ | $33,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $44,681▲ | $41,198 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Salem is $9,688 (35.28%). Charlottesville's median is +22.41% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $21,174,Salem spans $21,793. Salem 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, Charlottesville ($37,470 effective) pays 40.81% more than Salem ($26,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,150/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($44,681)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $37,470)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Charlottesville grew -24.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -48.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$47,850 (2021) → $36,308 (2025)
Salem, VA
$52,031 (2024) → $26,839 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Charlottesville or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Salem?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Salem as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Charlottesville vs Salem?
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