Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Rome, GA: $23,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Rome, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,139 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rome's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,664 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,504) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For newly minted graduates stepping into the medical billing and coding sector in Rome, GA, the entry level medical billing and coding specialist salary is a significant factor to consider. In 2026, starting positions might expect salaries beginning at around $23,139, reflecting the realities of the local job market. Those figures may feel a bit disheartening compared to the city's median salary of $30,504, but there is room for growth. New hires can anticipate gradual increases, especially as they gain experience and potentially move up to $26,943 at the 25th percentile within their first couple of years. While this could represent a gap initially, Rome's employment landscape appears favorable for entry-level coders in 2026, offering a solid foundation for those eager to begin their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rome
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Rome, GA typically start between $23,139 and $26,943 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,599 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,504 — 0.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Georgia of $3,200 represents just 13.83% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,139/year) in Rome. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Rome
- 1Research the Rome market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,139 to $26,943, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rome, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Rome for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rome's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Rome is $14,599 ( 63.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,139, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,738.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,580
2025 BLS Actual
$22,614
2026 Current Est.
$23,139
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Rome (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,614 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,675 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Rome, GA grew -23.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,580 in 2021 to $22,614 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,675. New graduates entering the Rome job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Rome
Many potential employers in Rome are actively seeking entry-level coders, including outpatient surgical centers and physician group practices that commonly hire for positions suited to new graduates. These roles typically require foundational certifications such as the AAPC’s CPC-A or AHIMA’s CCS-P, which can help new coders secure positions even in competitive environments. With the shift toward remote work—over 80% of coding roles have moved away from traditional office settings—new coders can enjoy the flexibility of working from home. For those focusing on specializations like risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding, which is among the fastest-growing areas post-2020, continuous education is vital. Realistically, first-year salaries for those who invest in additional certifications and practical experience can see significant growth, providing ample opportunity for professional advancement in Rome, GA.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Rome. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
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