Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lawrence, KS: $37,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $37,174/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $41,193 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as a medical billing and coding specialist in Lawrence, KS, can be a rewarding endeavor for experienced professionals. With a projected wage of $37,174 for the highest earners in 2026, Lawrence's senior specialists can anticipate a salary that is competitive, though it falls slightly below the national average of $30,349. The difference between the median salary of $28,242 and the P90 threshold highlights the significant financial benefits of expertise. To reach these salary levels, seasoned professionals often need to exhibit a blend of technical skill, advanced certifications, and a deep understanding of complex coding systems. Engaging in continuous education and specializing in high-demand areas can set candidates on track for these opportunities.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $33,958 and $37,174 per year (2026 est.). This $12,978 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $28,242 sits 6.94% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $28,242 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $33,958 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $37,174 | $48,159 |
In Lawrence, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 31.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $28,242 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $33,958–$37,174 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Lawrence with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Lawrence
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #5 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $37,174).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Lawrence ($37,174) is 13.27% below the Kansas average P90 ($42,860).
2021 BLS Actual
$61,050
2025 BLS Actual
$36,331
2026 Current Est.
$37,174
2021–2027 Growth
+-37.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lawrence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $61,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,036 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow -40.5% from $61,050 in 2021 to $36,331 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $38,036 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Lawrence
In terms of specialization, certain areas in medical billing and coding command premium pay within this market. Professionals with expertise in inpatient coding (CCS) and risk adjustment coding (CRC) tend to see higher salaries compared to their peers. Additionally, coding roles in various settings—such as hospital inpatient departments, outpatient facilities, and consulting firms—offer different compensation packages that reflect the nature of the work and the complexity involved. Career advancement for senior coders is not limited to salary; positions such as coding supervisor or HIM director present pathways for both increased pay and professional development. Pursuing advanced credentials like the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can significantly enhance earning potential. Non-salary compensation elements, including productivity bonuses and flexible work arrangements, also contribute to the overall attractiveness of senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in Lawrence, ensuring that professionals are well-established in a sector that is continually evolving.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Lawrence in 2026?
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What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $36,331 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Lawrence metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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