Medical Billing Salary

Johnstown vs Pittsburgh: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)

Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Johnstown, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Johnstown, PA
$29,133
$14.01/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$27,371
$13.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohnstown, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$29,133$27,371
Hourly Rate$14.01$13.16
Entry Level (P10)$19,175$22,967
25th Percentile$22,456$26,349
75th Percentile$39,601$35,578
Top Earner (P90)$42,996$43,458
Total Employed401,740
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johnstown ($29,133) and Pittsburgh ($27,371) medical billing and coding specialist salaries.JohnstownPittsburghMedian Salary$29,133$27,371Entry Level (P10)$19,175$22,967Top Earner (P90)$42,996$43,458US Median $30,349

Verdict

Johnstown and Pittsburgh are closely matched on overall medical billing and coding specialist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Johnstown and Pittsburgh is $1,762 (6.44%). Johnstown's median is -4.01% compared to the US national median of $30,349.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnstown spans $23,821,Pittsburgh spans $20,491. Johnstown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Johnstown
P10 (Entry)$19,175
P25$22,456
Median$29,133
P75$39,601
P90 (Top)$42,996
Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$22,967
P25$26,349
Median$27,371
P75$35,578
P90 (Top)$43,458

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Johnstown ($33,904 effective) pays 17.27% more than Pittsburgh ($28,912 effective).

Johnstown
Nominal: $29,133
CoL Index: 85.929
Adjusted: $33,904
Pittsburgh
Nominal: $27,371
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $28,912

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johnstown if…

  • Higher median salary ($29,133/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $33,904)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($43,458)
  • Larger job market (1,740 employed)
  • 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 Johnstown grew -39.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -31.6% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Johnstown, PA

+-39.4%

$47,000 (2021) → $28,472 (2025)

Pittsburgh, PA

+-31.6%

$39,090 (2021) → $26,750 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Johnstown or Pittsburgh?

Johnstown has a higher median medical billing and coding specialist salary at $29,133/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $27,371/year — a difference of $1,762 (6.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johnstown and Pittsburgh?

Johnstown medical billing and coding specialists earn $14.01/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $13.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johnstown to Pittsburgh as a medical billing and coding specialist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johnstown = $33,904, Pittsburgh = $28,912), job availability (40 vs 1,740 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Johnstown vs Pittsburgh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical billing and coding specialists earn $19,175 in Johnstown and $22,967 in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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