Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Brentwood, TN: $21,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Brentwood, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,214 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,109 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,137) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new medical billing and coding specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, are projected to be around $21,214 in 2026, which places early-career professionals significantly below the city median of $27,137. For recent graduates, this starting figure is a realistic expectation, especially considering the growth potential in the first few years as they gain experience and skills. By progressing from entry-level positions to at least the 25th percentile salary of $23,341, newcomers can see gradual increases. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, and the local job market supporting opportunities for entry-level roles, Brentwood presents a reasonable environment for new medical coders seeking to establish their careers.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
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 Brentwood
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Brentwood, TN typically start between $21,214 and $23,341 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,849 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,137 — 10.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Tennessee of $3,200 represents just 15.08% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,214/year) in Brentwood. 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 Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,214 to $23,341, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brentwood'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 Brentwood is $20,849 ( 98.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,214, experienced hygienists can earn up to $42,063.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$16,491
2025 BLS Actual
$20,733
2026 Current Est.
$21,214
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Brentwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16,491 | Actual |
| 2022 | $17,769 | Actual |
| 2023 | $19,657 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,996 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21,706 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, TN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,491 in 2021 to $20,733 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,706. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
For those looking to secure their first role in medical billing and coding, Brentwood offers various employers that are open to hiring new graduates. These include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often welcome Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) credential holders and provide structured mentorship. Furthermore, outpatient practices typically offer entry-level coding positions but may require certification like the AAPC's CPC for those seeking to enhance their starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in TN. Continuing education in coding disciplines, such as ICD-10-CM and the nuances of quarterly CPT updates, is vital for long-term career advancement. Over the initial one to three years, professionals can anticipate salary growth as they diversify their skills and possibly explore subspecialties in high demand like risk adjustment coding, essential for navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
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 Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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