Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $12.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Athens, OH runs $12.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $26,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $13.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $15,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Athens, the 2026 median hourly rate is projected at $12.65, which is below the national median of $14.59. This discrepancy reflects the local job market's dynamics and may impact part-time and per-diem roles, which are common in this profession. Many professionals may find work in remote home offices, hospital health information management (HIM) departments, or various coding settings such as physician group practices or third-party coding companies. The hourly range in Athens varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at about $9.65 and top earners achieving rates up to $18.87. These estimates help outline potential earnings for those working in specialized roles or with advanced credentials, such as those managing risk adjustment coding.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.65 | $77.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $10.93 | $87.42 |
| Median (P50) | $12.65 | $101.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $15.60 | $124.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $18.87 | $150.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $12.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $12.65/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $26,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $15,176. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $505.87 | $2,192 | $26,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $303.52 | $1,315 | $15,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $202.35 | $877 | $10,522 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Athens) | $12.65 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Athens, OH earn a median of $26,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.34% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $28,340.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $12.65/hr = $15,783/year (purchasing power: $17,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $26,305/year (purchasing power: $29,002).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$11.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$12.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$12.65/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Athens (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $11.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $12.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Athens grew 9.6% from $11.28/hr (2021) to $12.36/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $12.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Athens
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time specialists working three days per week, the overall compensation can differ greatly when compared to full-time employment. A 24-hour workweek could yield a take-home pay significantly less than full-time counterparts, especially if one is transitioning to a per-diem model, where experienced coders often bill between $25-$42 per hour, and CCS-certified inpatient coders can command rates reaching $35-$55 hourly. Employer types in Athens play a role in situational pay differences; coding offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and payer audit teams each come with varied rates and benefits. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages if it includes health insurance. This trade-off can significantly impact overall financial health. Negotiating effectively for your hourly rate can involve researching local pay scales, understanding the unique requirements of employer types, and being prepared with evidence of industry standards tailored to Athens, OH.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Athens?
Are medical billing and coding specialists in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Athens?
Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Athens. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Athens 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