Pittsburgh vs Allentown: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Allentown, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Allentown, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $27,371 | $28,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $13.16 | $13.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,967▲ | $22,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,349▲ | $26,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,578 | $36,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,458 | $46,628▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,740▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Allentown is $1,180 (4.31%). Allentown's median is -5.92% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $20,491,Allentown spans $23,988. Allentown 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, Pittsburgh ($28,912 effective) pays 1.23% more than Allentown ($28,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $28,912)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($28,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($46,628)
- ✓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 Pittsburgh grew -31.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.0% growth in Allentown over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$39,090 (2021) → $26,750 (2025)
Allentown, PA
$45,000 (2021) → $27,904 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Allentown, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Pittsburgh or Allentown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Allentown?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Allentown as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Pittsburgh vs Allentown?
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