Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Laurel, MS: $13,951 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Laurel, MS earns a median $13,951/year (≈ $6.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $16,279 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical billing and coding specialists in Laurel, Mississippi earn a median annual salary of $13,951, which falls significantly below the national median of $30,349. The salary range for this occupation in the area spans from $11,003 at the 10th percentile to $20,704 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, adjusted for regional cost variations. Although the local compensation reflects a broader trend of lower wages in many parts of Mississippi, the job market presents opportunities for professionals who hold multiple credentials, such as CPC (Certified Professional Coder), CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), and CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder). Those with enhanced qualifications can tap into higher earnings, reflecting an evolving demand for specialists proficient in coding for value-based care models and remote work structures that have solidified since the pandemic.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11,003 | $5.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $12,322 | $5.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $13,951 | $6.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17,181 | $8.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20,704 | $9.96 |
Median Salary Position
54.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $9,701 (2026 est.). At $13,951, the local median is 54.03% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Laurel median: $13,951/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $15,083 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -54.03% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Laurel, MS earn a median of $13,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.03% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $15,083.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $13,951 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $16,279 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$12,441
2025 BLS Actual
$13,635
2026 Current Est.
$13,951
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $12,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $12,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $13,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $13,635 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13,951 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14,275 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $12,441 (2021) to $13,635 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $14,275 by 2027 — a total increase of $1,834 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $11,003 – $12,322 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $12,322 – $13,951 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $13,951 – $17,181 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $17,181 – $20,704 |
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 Laurel
In Laurel, the employment landscape includes only six medical billing and coding specialists, indicating a tight-knit job market. Given that the cost-of-living index is at 85.7, professionals should consider how this affects their take-home purchasing power. Employers within physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments typically offer the most competitive salaries, while third-party coding companies, especially those permitting remote work, are increasingly relevant in today’s market. Factors influencing the wage variability include specialized skills (with inpatient coding typically commanding higher pay), multi-credentialed professionals earning premiums, and the potential for bonuses based on productivity levels. To maximize income in Laurel, specialists should focus on obtaining relevant certifications and staying updated with ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT changes. Networking within local medical facilities and exploring remote coding opportunities can also enhance career prospects in this evolving field.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 $13,635 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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