Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $22,397 (2026)

Job prospects for new graduates in Knoxville are particularly strong, as various employers actively recruit entry-level medical billing and coding specialists. Positions can be found with third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that offer structured mentorship for CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are known to start new graduates in entry-level CPC roles. To enhance starting pay in Tennessee, obtaining credentials such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can be beneficial; these credentials indicate readiness for both outpatient and inpatient coding roles. Given the shift to around 80% remote work since 2020, early-career professionals should prioritize ongoing education to keep pace with updates in ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT codes. With a focus on emerging subspecialties like risk adjustment and HCC coding, professionals can expect to see their salary grow positively over their first few years in the field, capitalizing on the expanding need for skilled coders in the healthcare industry.