Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Cortland, NY: $28,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Cortland, NY earns a median $28,186/year (≈ $13.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Cortland's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $24,319 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected medical billing and coding specialist salary in Cortland, NY, is estimated at $28,186, which reflects a competitive yet lower pay scale compared to the national median of $30,349. The salary range for this occupation spans from $22,022 at the 10th percentile to $41,668 at the 90th percentile, offering a spectrum of earning potential for specialists based on experience and certification. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjust for regional cost variations, highlighting how the ongoing shift towards remote work influences salary expectations across the geographic landscape. Such dynamics illustrate the evolving nature of medical coding roles, making it crucial for professionals to stay informed about local market conditions and opportunities within the area.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,022 | $10.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24,744 | $11.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $28,186 | $13.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35,124 | $16.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41,668 | $20.03 |
Median Salary Position
7.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cortland
In Cortland, NY, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,646 (2026 est.). At $28,186, the local median is 7.13% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cortland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cortland Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Cortland median: $28,186/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cortland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $30,604 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -7.13% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Cortland, NY earn a median of $28,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.13% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $30,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cortland has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cortland, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $28,186 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $24,319 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$25,134
2025 BLS Actual
$27,547
2026 Current Est.
$28,186
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Cortland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,547 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,840 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cortland metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $25,134 (2021) to $27,547 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $28,840 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,706 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cortland 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) | $22,022 – $24,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $24,744 – $28,186 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $28,186 – $35,124 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $35,124 – $41,668 |
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 Cortland
With only four medical billing and coding specialists currently employed in Cortland, the job market remains relatively small, yet the demand for skilled coders continues to grow, particularly with the rise in remote positions and specialties like risk adjustment coding. The cost of living index at 115.9 suggests that while Cortland's salaries may lag behind the national average, local purchasing power is also affected. Professionals in this field can find more lucrative opportunities in hospital inpatient coding departments or third-party coding companies, which often present higher pay than smaller physician group practices. Advancing one’s career through additional credentials—such as obtaining CPC, CCS, or CRC certifications—can significantly impact earning potential, particularly for those specializing in high-demand areas like audit compliance or productivity-based coding. Understanding these factors and continuously updating skills in coding systems like ICD-10-CM can be beneficial strategies for maximizing pay in this specific Cortland market.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 $27,547 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Cortland 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 Cortland 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