Harrisburg vs Wilkes-Barre: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $28,266▲ | $27,816 |
| Hourly Rate | $13.59▲ | $13.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,468▲ | $20,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,383▲ | $23,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,260▲ | $34,717 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,277▲ | $42,605 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Harrisburg, PA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre is $450 (1.62%). Harrisburg's median is -6.86% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $23,809,Wilkes-Barre spans $22,352. Harrisburg 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, Harrisburg ($28,653 effective) pays 0.33% more than Wilkes-Barre ($28,559 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($28,266/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($46,277)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $28,653)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Harrisburg grew -40.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -45.5% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$46,660 (2021) → $27,625 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$49,842 (2024) → $27,185 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Harrisburg or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Harrisburg vs Wilkes-Barre?
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