Durham vs Fuquay-Varina: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Durham, NC and Fuquay-Varina, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Fuquay-Varina, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $33,999▲ | $27,624 |
| Hourly Rate | $16.34▲ | $13.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,171▲ | $20,172 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,287▲ | $24,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,254▲ | $33,841 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,687▲ | $41,266 |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fuquay-Varina.
The salary gap between Durham and Fuquay-Varina is $6,375 (23.08%). Durham's median is +12.03% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $24,516,Fuquay-Varina spans $21,094. Durham 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, Durham ($34,845 effective) pays 18.07% more than Fuquay-Varina ($29,513 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,999/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,687)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $34,845)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fuquay-Varina if…
- ✓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 Durham grew -29.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -36.2% growth in Fuquay-Varina over the same period.
Durham, NC
$47,270 (2021) → $33,228 (2025)
Fuquay-Varina, NC
$42,317 (2024) → $26,998 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Durham or Fuquay-Varina?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Fuquay-Varina?
Should I relocate from Durham to Fuquay-Varina as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Durham vs Fuquay-Varina?
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