Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Leland, NC: $20,762 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Leland, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,762 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leland's local price level (BEA RPP 93.66% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,182 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($26,100) within a few years of clinical practice.

$20,762
Starting Salary
$9.99/hr
Starting Hourly
$20,762
Entry Level
$26,100
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Leland, North Carolina, can expect an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary around $20,762. While this starting figure may seem modest compared to the city median of $26,100, it represents a realistic baseline for those entering this profession. Over the initial years, salaries typically progress as experience and proficiency develop, with figures reaching about $23,181 after gaining some experience. For many newcomers, Leland offers viable opportunities in medical billing and coding, particularly as the demand for skilled professionals grows. Given the area’s average entry-level roles, starting salaries may provide sufficient financial stability and potential career growth in this sector.

About the Leland Market

Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Leland

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$20,762/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$23,181/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$26,100/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$32,777/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Leland. The median salary is $26,100, compared to the national median of $30,349.$18.7K$24.2K$29.8K$35.4K$40.9K$20.8K10th Pctl$23.2K25th Pctl$26.1KMedian$32.8K75th Pctl$39.0K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Leland, NC typically start between $20,762 and $23,181 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,230 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $26,10014% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,200
Avg NC Program Cost
$20,762
Starting Salary
15.41%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in North Carolina of $3,200 represents just 15.41% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($20,762/year) in Leland. 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 Leland

  • 1Research the Leland market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $20,762 to $23,181, 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 Leland, 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 Leland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Leland'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 Leland is $18,230 ( 87.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,762, experienced hygienists can earn up to $38,992.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$16,140

2025 BLS Actual

$20,291

2026 Current Est.

$20,762

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Leland (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 Leland. Baseline $16,140 in 2025, projected to $21,243 by 2027.$13.1K$18.4K$23.7K$29.0K$34.4K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.1K$17.4K$19.2K$31.3K$20.3K$20.8K$21.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$16,140Actual
2022$17,390Actual
2023$19,238Actual
2024$31,318Actual
2025$20,291Actual
2026(current)$20,762Estimated
2027$21,243Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Leland, NC grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,140 in 2021 to $20,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,243. New graduates entering the Leland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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 Leland

Several employers in Leland actively seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, particularly third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that are willing to hire individuals with CPC-A credentials and provide structured mentorship. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) often have openings for entry-level coder positions. New graduates who wish to enhance their earning potential should consider acquiring relevant certifications, such as the AAPC's CPC or CPC-A, as well as proficiency in the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets. As the industry leans increasingly toward remote work—approximately 80% since 2020—the need for ongoing education and skill development is paramount. Specializing in areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, especially for Medicare Advantage, can pave the way for higher salaries in the first few years, setting a foundation for a flourishing career in medical billing and coding in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Leland start at approximately $20,762/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 $9.98/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 Leland?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Leland progress from the entry-level salary of $20,762 to the area median of $26,100 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $38,992 (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 Leland?

With a starting salary of $20,762/year in Leland 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 Leland?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Leland typically start near the 10th percentile at $20,762/year, or approximately $9.98/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 Leland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Leland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: