Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Gulfport, MS: $39,477 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Gulfport, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $39,477/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Gulfport's price premium (BEA RPP 90.0, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $43,860 in average-cost America. The 47% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$39,477
Top 10% Earn
$18.98/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$33,922
75th Percentile
$39,477
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Senior Salary in Gulfport, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Gulfport, MS medical billing and coding specialist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Gulfport, Mississippi, the potential for experienced medical billing and coding specialists to secure impressive salaries is reflected in projections for 2026. Senior professionals can aim for top-tier earnings of $39,477, while the 75th percentile sees a salary of $33,922. This delineation highlights a significant gap between the median annual salary of $26,901 and the compensation offered to the highest earners, which showcases the rewards of specialized knowledge and years of experience. Attaining these elevated salary levels typically requires not only technical proficiency in complex coding practices but also advanced certifications and a deep understanding of regional healthcare systems.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Gulfport. The median salary is $26,901, compared to the national median of $30,349.$16.8K$23.0K$29.1K$35.3K$41.5K$18.7K10th Pctl$21.3K25th Pctl$26.9KMedian$33.9K75th Pctl$39.5K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Gulfport earn between $33,922 and $39,477 per year (2026 est.). This $20,795 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Gulfport median of $26,901 sits 11.36% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Gulfport metro area.

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelGulfportNational
Median (P50)$26,901$30,349
75th Percentile$33,922$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$39,477$48,159

In Gulfport, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 46.75% 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 Gulfport

1

Advanced Certifications in Mississippi

MS medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $26,901 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Gulfport employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Gulfport command premium compensation, often reaching the $33,922–$39,477 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Gulfport metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Gulfport with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Mississippi 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 Gulfport

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$18,682 – $26,901

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$26,901 – $33,922

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$33,922+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Gulfport ranks #2 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $39,477).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Gulfport ($39,477) is 10.36% above the Mississippi average P90 ($35,771).

2021 BLS Actual

$59,380

2025 BLS Actual

$38,582

2026 Current Est.

$39,477

2021–2027 Growth

+-32.0%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Gulfport (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Gulfport. Baseline $59,380 in 2025, projected to $40,393 by 2027.$32.7K$43.0K$53.3K$63.5K$73.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$59.4K$61.4K$64.0K$68.0K$38.6K$39.5K$40.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$59,380Actual
2022$61,380Actual
2023$63,990Actual
2024$67,950Actual
2025$38,582Actual
2026(current)$39,477Estimated
2027$40,393Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Gulfport saw their compensation grow -35.0% from $59,380 in 2021 to $38,582 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 $40,393 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Gulfport

Diverse specializations can greatly influence senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in Gulfport, MS, particularly when it comes to in-demand areas such as inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CCS-P, CPC), and risk adjustment coding (CRC). Compensation can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; opportunities within physician group practices, hospital coding departments, and third-party coding companies often present different financial incentives and work structures. Senior roles like coding supervisor or HIM director are attainable for those who pursue leadership paths, while advanced credentials—including certifications from AAPC and AHIMA—enhance earning potential. For instance, specialties such as surgical coding or auditing can command premium salaries, further augmented by productivity bonuses and flexibility between remote and in-office settings. With the evolving landscape of coding, particularly in risk adjustment and HCC environments, experienced professionals in Gulfport have multiple avenues to elevate their careers and financial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Gulfport in 2026?

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Gulfport (90th percentile) make $39,477/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $12,576 more than the area median of $26,901 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical billing and coding specialists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Gulfport?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Gulfport is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Gulfport?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Gulfport include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $26,901, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Gulfport?

The 90th percentile in Gulfport is $39,477. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Gulfport?

In Gulfport, the gap between entry level ($18,682) and top earners ($39,477) is $20,795, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Mississippi

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 $38,582 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Gulfport 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

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