Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $43,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Lackawanna, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $43,218/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Lackawanna's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $37,289 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior medical billing and coding specialists in Lackawanna, NY, can anticipate a top-tier salary that reflects their expertise, with the 2026 projected P90 at $43,218 and P75 at $35,629. This competitive compensation significantly diverges from the median salary of $28,649, emphasizing the experience premium associated with advanced roles in this field. Those keen on reaching such a high salary need to gain extensive experience, typically over seven years, and focus on acquiring specialized skills that cater to the specific needs of healthcare facilities in the area. The top earners in Lackawanna not only benefit from their deep knowledge of coding practices but also from engaging with complex coding systems and processes that enhance operational efficiency.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Lackawanna earn between $35,629 and $43,218 per year (2026 est.). This $20,050 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lackawanna median of $28,649 sits 5.6% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Lackawanna | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $28,649 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,629 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $43,218 | $48,159 |
In Lackawanna, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 50.85% 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 Lackawanna
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $28,649 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lackawanna employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Lackawanna command premium compensation, often reaching the $35,629–$43,218 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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 New York 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 Lackawanna
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
AdvancedLackawanna ranks #32 of 39 New York cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $43,218).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Lackawanna ($43,218) is 23.76% below the New York average P90 ($56,689).
2021 BLS Actual
$38,621
2025 BLS Actual
$42,238
2026 Current Est.
$43,218
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lackawanna (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,276 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,333 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,221 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Lackawanna saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $38,621 in 2021 to $42,238 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 $44,221 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
When examining senior roles in medical billing and coding, various specializations can command premium pay, particularly in Lackawanna. Areas such as inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment coding (CRC) are in high demand, often leading to better financial rewards. Compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer; for instance, physician group practices, hospital departments, and third-party coding companies each bring different salary structures. Career advancement can lead specialized professionals to positions like coding supervisor or HIM director, where advanced credentials such as AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS can significantly enhance earning potential. Furthermore, the emphasis on remote work has shifted the market, allowing for greater flexibility and access to different employer types. Understanding these dynamics, including the benefits of credential stacking and productivity bonuses, is key for experienced medical billing and coding specialists looking to maximize their pay in the region.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Lackawanna in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Lackawanna?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Lackawanna?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Lackawanna?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Lackawanna?
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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 $42,238 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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