Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kearney, NE: $24,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Kearney, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $24,040/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Kearney's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $26,273 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kearney, a senior medical billing and coding specialist can aim for substantial earnings, with top earners projected to make around $24,040 annually in 2026, positioning them significantly above the local median salary of $15,510. This potential for higher compensation can create a compelling incentive for experienced professionals in this field, particularly compared to the national median salary of $30,349. To break into this upper tier of pay, specialists must cultivate advanced skills through rigorous training and certifications, focusing on specific coding disciplines or leadership roles that enhance their value in the job market. Successfully navigating the complexities of coding, compliance, and auditing will help professionals ascend the ranks and secure the top medical billing and coding specialist salary in Kearney.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Kearney earn between $19,541 and $24,040 per year (2026 est.). This $12,025 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kearney median of $15,510 sits 48.89% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Kearney | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $15,510 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $19,541 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $24,040 | $48,159 |
In Kearney, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 55.00% 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 Kearney
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $15,510 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kearney employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Kearney command premium compensation, often reaching the $19,541–$24,040 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kearney 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 Kearney 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 Nebraska 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 Kearney
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
AdvancedKearney ranks #6 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $24,040).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Kearney ($24,040) is 44.54% below the Nebraska average P90 ($43,346).
2021 BLS Actual
$21,483
2025 BLS Actual
$23,495
2026 Current Est.
$24,040
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kearney (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,848 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,598 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Kearney saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $21,483 in 2021 to $23,495 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 $24,598 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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 Kearney
Salary differentiation among experienced professionals often stems from the specific coding specializations they possess. In Kearney, specialties such as inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment coding (CRC) can command much higher pay, reflecting the critical nature of these roles in healthcare settings. Moreover, the type of employer significantly affects compensation, with positions in physician group practices and hospital coding departments typically offering better pay than third-party coding firms or remote opportunities. Career advancement is promising, with experienced coders moving into roles like lead coder or HIM director, often contingent upon holding advanced credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA. Pursuing additional certifications, like CPMA or CIC, further enhances earning potential, as does having a track record of productivity and compliance expertise. With the current trend of remote work continuing to be a preference for many, coders with the right mix of skills and experience can leverage these dynamics to negotiate better salary packages in Kearney, NE.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Kearney in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Kearney?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Kearney?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Kearney?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Kearney?
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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 $23,495 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Kearney 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
Salary data for Kearney 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