Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Chapel Hill, NC: $34,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Chapel Hill, NC earns a median $34,283/year (≈ $16.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Chapel Hill's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $36,627 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.0% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, the projected median annual pay for medical billing and coding specialists in 2026 stands at $34,283, surpassing the national median of $30,349 by approximately 12.96%. This figure reflects local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. The salary range for this role varies significantly, from $24,017 at the 10th percentile to $53,139 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market where specialized skills can command higher wages. The distinctions between inpatient CCS coding, outpatient CPC, and risk adjustment specialties contribute to the salary gradient, with inpatient coders typically positioned at the higher end due to the complexity and demand associated with their work.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,017 | $11.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,308 | $13.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,283 | $16.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,193 | $20.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,139 | $25.55 |
Median Salary Position
12.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chapel Hill
In Chapel Hill, NC, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,122 (2026 est.). At $34,283, the local median is 12.96% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chapel Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chapel Hill Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Chapel Hill median: $34,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chapel Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $28,101 | +22.00% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +12.96% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $34,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.96% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 22.00% above the North Carolina state average of $28,101.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chapel Hill has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chapel Hill, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $34,283 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $36,627 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,571
2025 BLS Actual
$33,506
2026 Current Est.
$34,283
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Chapel Hill (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,571 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,982 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,079 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,571 (2021) to $33,506 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,079 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,508 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill 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) | $24,017 – $28,308 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,308 – $34,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,283 – $43,193 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,193 – $53,139 |
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 Chapel Hill
While only nine medical billing and coding specialists are currently employed in Chapel Hill, the local job market remains competitive, offering a cost-of-living index of 93.6. This translates to a favorable purchasing power compared to national averages, making it an attractive location for coders. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments, especially for those with multiple credentials like CPC, CCS, and CRC. The disparity in pay can be attributed to factors such as specialization, additional certifications, and the ability to work remotely. For those entering this job market, focusing on obtaining relevant certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, and continuously honing skills in high-demand areas such as risk adjustment coding, may enhance earning potential in the evolving healthcare landscape of Chapel Hill, NC.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
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 $33,506 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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