Lewiston vs South Portland: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Lewiston, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $28,302 | $33,718▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $13.61 | $16.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,091▲ | $26,286 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,091 | $29,053▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $35,792 | $42,600▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $44,711 | $52,262▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $5,416 (19.14%). South Portland's median is +11.10% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $17,620,South Portland spans $25,976. South Portland 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, South Portland ($33,853 effective) pays 13.32% more than Lewiston ($29,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,718/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,262)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $33,853)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Lewiston grew -40.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -31.5% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$46,640 (2021) → $27,660 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$48,099 (2024) → $32,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Lewiston or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to South Portland as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
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