Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Scranton, PA: $25,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Scranton, PA earns a median $25,554/year (≈ $12.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Scranton's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $27,314 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the medical billing and coding specialist salary in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is projected to reach a median of $25,554, which is notably lower than the national median of $30,349, indicating a pay gap of approximately 15.80%. The salary range for these specialists in Scranton varies significantly, from $21,952 at the 10th percentile to as high as $38,301 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, reflects the local job market dynamics that favor certain specialties. Understanding the distinctions between inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment coding (HCC) is crucial, as they can influence pay levels. The trend towards more remote work options also adds an element to consider in terms of job availability and flexibility in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,952 | $10.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22,759 | $10.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $25,554 | $12.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28,919 | $13.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38,301 | $18.42 |
Median Salary Position
15.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
In Scranton, PA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,349 (2026 est.). At $25,554, the local median is 15.8% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scranton: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Scranton Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Scranton median: $25,554/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scranton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $28,268 | -9.60% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -15.80% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Scranton, PA earn a median of $25,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.80% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 9.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $28,268.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scranton has a cost of living 6.44% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scranton, PA has a cost-of-living index of 93.556 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $25,554 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $27,314 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.89% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$37,020
2025 BLS Actual
$24,975
2026 Current Est.
$25,554
2021–2027 Growth
+-29.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,975 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,147 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scranton metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -32.5% from $37,020 (2021) to $24,975 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $26,147 by 2027 — a total increase of $-10,873 (-29.37%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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) | $21,952 – $22,759 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $22,759 – $25,554 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $25,554 – $28,919 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $28,919 – $38,301 |
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 Scranton
The medical billing and coding landscape in Scranton supports approximately 280 specialists, providing a range of employment opportunities. The cost of living index in the city, at 93.556, reveals that while compensation may be lower than the national average, it could still offer a manageable standard of living. Among the top employers, physician group practices, and third-party coding firms typically offer the highest salaries, especially for those holding advanced certifications like CPC, CCS, or CRC. Factors contributing to the spread in earnings include the complexity of the coding specialization, demand for certifications, and potential for performance bonuses. Professionals can enhance their pay by gaining advanced credentials, focusing on high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding, and considering flexible work arrangements to align with the evolving industry landscape.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in Scranton, PA in 2026?
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Can medical billing and coding specialists make $100K in Scranton?
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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 $24,975 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Scranton 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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