Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Ashland, KY: $31,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Ashland, KY earns a median $31,231/year (≈ $15.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $34,973 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.2% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Ashland, KY, is projected to reach $31,231, slightly above the national median of $30,349. Salaries for professionals in this field range from $23,334 at the 10th percentile to $46,212 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a gradient influenced by specialization. Inpatient coding, particularly in hospital settings, tends to command higher wages, while outpatient coding roles generally offer lower compensation. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 using regional cost adjustments, and highlight the unique dynamics of the local job market, including the limited number of positions available.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,334 | $11.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26,739 | $12.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $31,231 | $15.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,283 | $18.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,212 | $22.21 |
Median Salary Position
2.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,878 (2026 est.). At $31,231, the local median is 2.91% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Ashland median: $31,231/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $27,110 | +15.20% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +2.91% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Ashland, KY earn a median of $31,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.91% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 15.20% above the Kentucky state average of $27,110.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $31,231 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $34,973 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$27,849
2025 BLS Actual
$30,523
2026 Current Est.
$31,231
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Ashland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,849 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,956 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $27,849 (2021) to $30,523 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $31,956 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,107 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $23,334 – $26,739 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $26,739 – $31,231 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $31,231 – $38,283 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,283 – $46,212 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Ashland
With only four medical billing and coding specialists currently employed in Ashland, competition for roles can be tight, but the city’s cost of living index of 89.3 means that salaries offer reasonable purchasing power for residents. Employers such as physician group practice coding offices and hospital inpatient departments are typically the highest payers. Factors influencing the pay range include certifications like CPC, CCS, and CRC, which enhance earning potential, as well as productivity bonuses linked to coding efficiency. The growing demand for risk adjustment and HCC coding specialists further drives compensation disparities. For those seeking to maximize their income, acquiring additional credentials and considering remote work opportunities could enhance both job prospects and financial rewards in this evolving market.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $30,523 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Ashland metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland 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