Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $25,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Alexandria, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,535 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,743 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,607) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field of medical billing and coding can expect to begin their careers in Alexandria, VA, with a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of approximately $25,535. While this figure is modest relative to the city’s median annual salary of $34,607, it is crucial for new graduates to understand the potential for salary growth as they gain experience. Entry-level positions typically serve as stepping stones, with many individuals moving up to around the $29,658 threshold within a few years, while high performers can eventually reach the median salary. With a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually for this occupation, Alexandria presents favorable conditions for aspiring medical billers and coders looking to establish their careers.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
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 Alexandria
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Alexandria, VA typically start between $25,535 and $29,658 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,105 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,607 — 14.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Virginia of $4,000 represents just 15.66% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,535/year) in Alexandria. 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 Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,535 to $29,658, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria's moderate 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 Alexandria is $28,105 ( 110.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,535, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,640.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,850
2025 BLS Actual
$24,956
2026 Current Est.
$25,535
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Alexandria (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,661 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,956 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,127 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, VA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,850 in 2021 to $24,956 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,127. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Entry-level roles in Alexandria are actively filled by various types of employers, including third-party coding companies, payer auditing teams, physician group practices, and outpatient surgery centers. New grads with credentials such as AAPC's CPC-A or AHIMA's CCS will find ample opportunities, particularly since many organizations now offer mentorship to ease the transition into the workforce. Staying ahead in the field also requires a commitment to continuing education due to constant updates in coding standards, specifically ICD-10-CM and CPT guidelines. Furthermore, with a rising demand for expertise in risk adjustment coding, a focus on this burgeoning area can provide a lucrative path. Realistically, new billers and coders in Alexandria can expect salary growth that reflects their expanding skills and knowledge, particularly in the first three years, positioning themselves well in this dynamic and remote-friendly job market.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
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 Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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