Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Maryville, TN: $20,199 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Maryville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,199 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maryville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.88% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,003 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($26,714) within a few years of clinical practice.

$20,199
Starting Salary
$9.71/hr
Starting Hourly
$20,199
Entry Level
$26,714
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Starting salaries for new medical billing and coding specialists in Maryville, TN, can vary significantly, with the lowest entry-level figures projected at $20,199 for 2026. This amount is noticeably lower than the city's median annual salary of $26,714, indicating that fresh graduates may face a challenging start. Nevertheless, there is potential for growth over the first few years; for instance, salaries can move up to approximately $23,065, and eventually reach the median as one gains experience and builds expertise. With an average annual growth rate of 2.32%, the job market in Maryville appears to be supportive for new graduates, allowing them to steadily increase their earnings, though they may start well below the national median of $30,349 during their first year.

About the Maryville Market

Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Maryville

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$20,199/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$23,065/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$26,714/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$33,221/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maryville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Maryville. The median salary is $26,714, compared to the national median of $30,349.$18.2K$24.3K$30.5K$36.6K$42.8K$20.2K10th Pctl$23.1K25th Pctl$26.7KMedian$33.2K75th Pctl$40.7K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Maryville, TN typically start between $20,199 and $23,065 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,519 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $26,71411.98% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,200
Avg TN Program Cost
$20,199
Starting Salary
15.84%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Tennessee of $3,200 represents just 15.84% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($20,199/year) in Maryville. 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 Maryville

  • 1Research the Maryville market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $20,199 to $23,065, 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 Maryville, 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 Maryville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Maryville'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 Maryville is $20,519 ( 101.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,199, experienced hygienists can earn up to $40,718.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$15,702

2025 BLS Actual

$19,741

2026 Current Est.

$20,199

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Maryville (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 Maryville. Baseline $15,702 in 2025, projected to $20,668 by 2027.$13.1K$17.6K$22.1K$26.6K$31.1K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$15.7K$16.9K$18.7K$28.5K$19.7K$20.2K$20.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$15,702Actual
2022$16,919Actual
2023$18,717Actual
2024$28,546Actual
2025$19,741Actual
2026(current)$20,199Estimated
2027$20,668Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Maryville, TN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,702 in 2021 to $19,741 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,668. New graduates entering the Maryville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Maryville, several employers are actively hiring entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, particularly third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that seek out apprentices. Local physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) often recruit entry-level coders, providing hands-on training within a supportive environment. Obtaining credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA can significantly enhance earning potential; certifications such as CPC for outpatient coding or CCS for inpatient coding are particularly valuable. New graduates should also consider continuous education, especially in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, to stay competitive. Starting pay typically grounds itself in the low range but can accelerate as newly minted coders adapt to remote work opportunities and the industry’s ongoing shifts towards automation and efficiency in coding practices. By capitalizing on growth areas and pursuing additional certifications, entry-level coders can find their experience and salary trajectory improving in the initial years of their career in Maryville, TN.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Maryville start at approximately $20,199/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 $9.71/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 Maryville?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Maryville progress from the entry-level salary of $20,199 to the area median of $26,714 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $40,718 (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 Maryville?

With a starting salary of $20,199/year in Maryville 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 Maryville?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Maryville typically start near the 10th percentile at $20,199/year, or approximately $9.71/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 Tennessee?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee

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 Maryville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Maryville 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

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