Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bristol, VA: $21,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Bristol, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,428 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bristol's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $20,764 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,823) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the projected starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Bristol, VA, begins at around $21,428. Although this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $27,823, it reflects the standard entry-level pay for newly minted professionals. Over the first three to five years, individuals can realistically expect their earnings to progress from this entry point through the $24,199 mark for the 25th percentile, gradually advancing towards the median as they gain experience. Notably, the growth trajectory is encouraging, indicating that Bristol maintains a viable market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in medical billing and coding, despite the initial pay being lower than the national average.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bristol
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 Bristol
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Bristol, VA typically start between $21,428 and $24,199 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,247 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,823 — 8.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Virginia of $4,000 represents just 18.67% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,428/year) in Bristol. 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 Bristol
- 1Research the Bristol market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,428 to $24,199, 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bristol'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 Bristol is $20,247 ( 94.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,428, experienced hygienists can earn up to $41,675.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$16,657
2025 BLS Actual
$20,942
2026 Current Est.
$21,428
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $17,948 | Actual |
| 2023 | $19,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21,925 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Bristol, VA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,657 in 2021 to $20,942 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,925. New graduates entering the Bristol job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
In Bristol, various employers actively seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that often hire those with CPC-A (apprentice) credentials. Additionally, opportunities exist in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers, which typically offer entry-level CPC roles for new grads. To enhance starting pay, obtaining credentials such as AAPC's CPC for outpatient facilities or AHIMA's CCS for inpatient coding can be beneficial. Within the first one to three years, candidates should focus on acquiring proficiency in ICD-10-CM and CPT code updates, as well as consider specializing in high-growth areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding. While the initial pay in this region may lag behind the national average, strategic skill development and credentialing can significantly elevate potential earnings as the industry continues to embrace remote work and adapt to ongoing regulatory updates.
More salary data for Bristol, 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 Bristol. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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