Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Sterling, VA: $27,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Sterling, VA earns a median $27,176/year (≈ $13.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $26,333 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for a medical billing and coding specialist in 2026 is $27,176. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $30,349, which reflects a difference of approximately 10.46%. The salary range in Sterling spans from $20,893 for entry-level positions at the P10 percentile to $41,963 for those at the upper end (P90). These local estimates, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living differences, suggest that the competitive landscape for medical coding roles in Sterling may impact compensation levels. Individuals keen on maximizing their earning potential in this city should focus on advancing their skills in specialized areas, especially those pertaining to inpatient coding, where salary premiums tend to be more favorable compared to outpatient coding.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,893 | $10.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23,199 | $11.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $27,176 | $13.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34,125 | $16.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41,963 | $20.18 |
Median Salary Position
10.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,070 (2026 est.). At $27,176, the local median is 10.46% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Sterling median: $27,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $28,309 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -10.46% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Sterling, VA earn a median of $27,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.46% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 4.00% below the Virginia state average of $28,309.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $27,176 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $26,333 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$24,233
2025 BLS Actual
$26,560
2026 Current Est.
$27,176
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Sterling (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,807 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $24,233 (2021) to $26,560 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $27,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,574 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $20,893 – $23,199 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $23,199 – $27,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $27,176 – $34,125 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $34,125 – $41,963 |
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 Sterling
Looking deeper into the job market in Sterling, only seven medical billing and coding specialists are currently employed in the area, hinting at a relatively limited local workforce. This creates unique opportunities for those entering the field. With a cost of living index of 103.2, residents may find that their take-home pay does not stretch as far as it might in lower-cost areas, potentially affecting lifestyle choices. Among local employers, physician group practice coding offices and hospital inpatient coding departments tend to offer higher salaries, while remote opportunities with third-party coding companies may appeal to those looking for flexibility. Various factors contribute to pay scales, including specialization—CCS positions often earning more than CPC roles—as well as additional credentials like CRC. Therefore, professionals in Sterling should consider expanding their qualifications and staying updated with industry changes, especially in risk adjustment and HCC coding, to enhance their marketability and salary prospects.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
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 $26,560 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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