Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $19,699 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $19,699 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,088 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,573) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those stepping into the workforce, securing a position as a new medical billing and coding specialist in Fredericksburg, VA, typically starts with a salary reflecting the entry-level nature of the role. With a projected entry-level pay of $19,699 in 2026, graduates can expect a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $27,573. This difference highlights the growth potential within the industry; over the first three to five years, salaries can advance from the 10th percentile to about $24,638 at the 25th percentile and even reach the median as experience and skills develop. Given the projected 2.32% annual growth rate in this field, Fredericksburg appears to be a favorable market for new graduates eager to kickstart their careers.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $19,699 and $24,638 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,039 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,573 — 9.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Virginia of $4,000 represents just 20.31% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($19,699/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $19,699 to $24,638, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $23,039 ( 116.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $19,699, experienced hygienists can earn up to $42,738.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$15,313
2025 BLS Actual
$19,252
2026 Current Est.
$19,699
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Fredericksburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,313 | Actual |
| 2022 | $16,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $18,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $19,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19,699 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,156 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,313 in 2021 to $19,252 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,156. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Recognizing where to seek entry-level positions is crucial for new graduates in Fredericksburg. Employers such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams actively recruit candidates with a CPC-A (apprentice) certification, offering essential mentorship and guidance. Additionally, opportunities in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are available for entry-level coder roles. To enhance starting pay, prospective medical coders should consider pursuing various credentials, including the AAPC's CPC (outpatient) or CPC-A, as well as AHIMA's CCS for inpatient coding. In the first one to three years, it is critical to engage in continuous learning, particularly due to the remote work shift in coding roles post-2020 and the need to stay updated on ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT changes. Specializing in high-demand areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are increasingly important in Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplaces, can lead to more lucrative positions as the market evolves.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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