Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $19,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $19,944 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,326 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($26,821) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Williamsburg, VA, can expect a starting salary around $19,944, which is significantly below the city’s median salary of $26,821. However, there is a promising growth trajectory from this entry-level pay. Over the first few years, newly trained specialists typically progress to earning approximately $22,810 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience and proficiency. With diligent work and the right certifications, these professionals can aim to reach the median annual salary of $26,821 within three to five years. The current job market in Williamsburg offers a range of opportunities, making it a favorable environment for new graduates seeking to embed themselves in this essential healthcare role.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $19,944 and $22,810 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,045 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $26,821 — 11.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Virginia of $4,000 represents just 20.06% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($19,944/year) in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $19,944 to $22,810, 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 Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg is $21,045 ( 105.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $19,944, experienced hygienists can earn up to $40,989.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$15,504
2025 BLS Actual
$19,492
2026 Current Est.
$19,944
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Williamsburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,504 | Actual |
| 2022 | $16,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $18,481 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,168 | Actual |
| 2025 | $19,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,407 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,504 in 2021 to $19,492 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,407. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
As you embark on your career as a medical billing and coding specialist, seeking employment with local healthcare providers can provide a solid foundation for future advancement. Employers in the Williamsburg area, such as physician group practices and outpatient service centers, frequently hire entry-level coders and often prefer candidates with the AAPC CPC-A or AHIMA CCS credentials. Obtaining these certifications can enhance your marketability and boost your starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Williamsburg. In the first few years, expect to engage in continuous professional development due to the changing landscape of medical coding, including the shift to remote work that became prevalent post-2020. Staying updated with new coding standards and specializations, such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, is crucial. Realistic salary growth might see those starting at $19,944 progress to around $22,810 within a couple of years, especially as you build expertise in coding systems like ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates.
More salary data for Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg 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