Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Jackson, TN: $22,290 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Jackson, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,290 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 85.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,063 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,916) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, Tennessee, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field can expect starting salaries around $22,290, reflecting the lower end of the pay spectrum for this occupation. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $33,916, there is a noticeable gap of over $11,600 for entry-level professionals. However, projections indicate that entry-level salaries can grow steadily as graduates gain experience, moving from the bottom 10th percentile to the 25th, where pay rises to approximately $25,222 within the first few years. Given the 2.32% annual growth rate forecasted for the industry, Jackson represents a favorable market for those just beginning their careers, particularly as the demand for medical billing and coding services continues to rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Jackson, TN typically start between $22,290 and $25,222 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,916 — 11.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Tennessee of $3,200 represents just 14.36% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,290/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,290 to $25,222, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $25,792 ( 115.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,290, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,082.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,270
2025 BLS Actual
$21,785
2026 Current Est.
$22,290
2021–2027 Growth
+-22.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Jackson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,785 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,290 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,808 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, TN grew -25.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,270 in 2021 to $21,785 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,808. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Several employers in Jackson are well-suited to hire new graduates passionate about medical billing and coding. Payer coding audit teams and third-party coding companies often provide structured mentorship for Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) roles, while physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers typically offer entry-level positions for those with CPC credentials. To maximize starting pay in Tennessee, new coders can consider securing certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, such as the CPC, CCS, or optional risk adjustment certifications. The first three years are a crucial time for professional growth; the shift to telecommuting has made ongoing education, including safety around the ICD-10-CM updates, even more pertinent. In this evolving field, expertise in risk adjustment and HCC coding has emerged as a key area of demand, potentially enhancing salary prospects as newcomers to the profession build their skills and experience.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 Jackson. 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