Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Goldsboro, NC: $21,026 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Goldsboro, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,026 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Goldsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 88.512% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,768 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($26,409) within a few years of clinical practice.

$21,026
Starting Salary
$10.11/hr
Starting Hourly
$21,026
Entry Level
$26,409
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Goldsboro, NC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Goldsboro, NC medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For individuals entering the medical billing and coding field in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the 2026 projected starting medical billing and coding specialist salary stands at $21,026. While this starting pay reflects the initial earnings achievable, it falls below the city’s median annual salary of $26,409, highlighting a gap that new graduates may need to navigate. Over the first few years, entry-level positions can lead to a pay increase, with potential earnings reaching $23,174 at the 25th percentile as new professionals gain experience and skills. Given the modest growth rate of 2.32% and a local market that currently employs approximately 60 specialists, Goldsboro presents a viable opportunity for new graduates eager to establish themselves in this evolving profession.

Career Earnings Timeline in Goldsboro

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$21,026/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$23,174/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$26,409/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$38,865/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goldsboro

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Goldsboro. The median salary is $26,409, compared to the national median of $30,349.$18.9K$27.3K$35.7K$44.1K$52.5K$21.0K10th Pctl$23.2K25th Pctl$26.4KMedian$38.9K75th Pctl$50.0K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Goldsboro, NC typically start between $21,026 and $23,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,937 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $26,40912.98% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Goldsboro metro area.

Return on Investment

$3,200
Avg NC Program Cost
$21,026
Starting Salary
15.22%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in North Carolina of $3,200 represents just 15.22% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,026/year) in Goldsboro. 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 Goldsboro

  • 1Research the Goldsboro market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,026 to $23,174, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Goldsboro, 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 Goldsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Goldsboro'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 Goldsboro is $28,937 ( 137.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,026, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,963.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$28,690

2025 BLS Actual

$20,549

2026 Current Est.

$21,026

2021–2027 Growth

+-25.0%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Goldsboro (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Goldsboro. Baseline $28,690 in 2025, projected to $21,514 by 2027.$18.0K$22.5K$27.0K$31.6K$36.1K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$28.7K$27.9K$33.4K$33.5K$20.5K$21.0K$21.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$28,690Actual
2022$27,940Actual
2023$33,360Actual
2024$33,500Actual
2025$20,549Actual
2026(current)$21,026Estimated
2027$21,514Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Goldsboro, NC grew -28.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,690 in 2021 to $20,549 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,514. New graduates entering the Goldsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goldsboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Goldsboro

Employers in Goldsboro seeking new talent in medical billing and coding often include third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams, which are open to hiring Certified Professional Coder Apprentices (CPC-A) who can benefit from structured mentorship programs. Physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers also look for entry-level certified coders, while hospital inpatient coding positions typically require a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. To enhance starting salaries and job prospects, new graduates should consider obtaining credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA. Continuous education, including proficiency in ICD-10-CM and familiarity with quarterly CPT updates, remains vital in this field, especially as remote work options have surged post-2020. With a focus on risk adjustment and HCC coding tied to Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplaces, these areas present significant growth opportunities, allowing professionals to realistically expect salary progression in their first few years, especially if they actively pursue ongoing education and credentialing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Goldsboro in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Goldsboro start at approximately $21,026/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $10.11/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Goldsboro?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Goldsboro progress from the entry-level salary of $21,026 to the area median of $26,409 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $49,963 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Goldsboro?

With a starting salary of $21,026/year in Goldsboro and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Goldsboro?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Goldsboro typically start near the 10th percentile at $21,026/year, or approximately $10.11/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in North Carolina?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in North Carolina, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including North Carolina, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

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

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 Goldsboro. 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

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