Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $27,371 | $27,816▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $13.16 | $13.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,967▲ | $20,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,349▲ | $23,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,578▲ | $34,717 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,458▲ | $42,605 |
| Total Employed | 1,740▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre are closely matched on overall medical billing and coding specialist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $445 (1.63%). Wilkes-Barre's median is -8.35% 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,Wilkes-Barre spans $22,352. Wilkes-Barre 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 1.24% 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 Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($43,458)
- ✓Larger job market (1,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $28,912)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($27,816/year)
- ✓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 -45.5% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$39,090 (2021) → $26,750 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$49,842 (2024) → $27,185 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Pittsburgh 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