Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Athens, OH: $26,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Athens, OH earns a median $26,299/year (≈ $12.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Athens's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $28,996 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Athens, Ohio, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $26,299, which is notably lower than the national median of $30,349. The local salary ranges from $20,069 at the 10th percentile to $39,250 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential within this field. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, which account for regional cost adjustments, particularly relevant in Athens, where the cost of living index is 90.7, indicating a more affordable lifestyle compared to many areas in the U.S. Understanding the difference in pay for various specialties is integral for job seekers; inpatient coders (CCS certified) generally command higher salaries than outpatient coders (CPC), while those in HCC and risk adjustment roles may see variable compensation based on their expertise.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,069 | $9.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22,739 | $10.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $26,299 | $12.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32,446 | $15.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39,250 | $18.87 |
Median Salary Position
13.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, OH, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,181 (2026 est.). At $26,299, the local median is 13.34% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Athens median: $26,299/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $28,340 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -13.34% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $26,299 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $28,996 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.26% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$23,451
2025 BLS Actual
$25,703
2026 Current Est.
$26,299
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,703 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,909 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $23,451 (2021) to $25,703 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $26,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,458 (14.75%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $20,069 – $22,739 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $22,739 – $26,299 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $26,299 – $32,446 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $32,446 – $39,250 |
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 Athens
Examining the local job market reveals that there are five medical billing and coding specialists employed in Athens, emphasizing the competitive but limited nature of opportunities in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, this means that take-home pay may stretch further, allowing for a relatively comfortable lifestyle despite the lower salary averages. Among prospective employers, physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments typically offer the most competitive compensation. Factors influencing salary disparities include specialization (where inpatient coding roles are favored), credential stacking (such as combining CPC with CCS and CRC), and productivity bonuses which reward high output. Professionals looking to maximize their pay in Athens should consider diversifying their credentials and exploring remote work options, as the industry trend towards flexible job structures post-2020 remains strong.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in Athens, OH in 2026?
Is Athens, OH a good place to work as a medical billing and coding specialist?
Can medical billing and coding specialists make $100K in Athens?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical billing and coding specialist salary in Athens?
How much does a medical billing and coding specialist make per hour in Athens?
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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 $25,703 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Athens 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 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