Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Scranton, PA: $38,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Scranton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $38,301/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Scranton's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $40,939 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In the evolving job market for medical billing and coding professionals in Scranton, the earning potential for senior specialists is notable, particularly for those aiming for top-tier positions. The projected 2026 salary range showcases the disparity between the median annual salary of $25,554 and the highest earners, with the P90 at a robust $38,301. This divergence illustrates the experience premium many seasoned coders can command. Attaining this advanced pay level often requires a blend of extensive hands-on experience, specialized certifications such as certified coding specialists (CCS), and a proven track record in complex coding disciplines. As Scranton’s top medical billing and coding specialist salaries highlight, those who refine their skills and pursue continuing education in specialized areas position themselves ideally for lucrative roles in a competitive market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Scranton earn between $28,919 and $38,301 per year (2026 est.). This $16,349 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scranton median of $25,554 sits 15.8% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Scranton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $25,554 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $28,919 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $38,301 | $48,159 |
In Scranton, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 49.88% 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 Scranton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $25,554 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scranton employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Scranton command premium compensation, often reaching the $28,919–$38,301 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scranton 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 Scranton 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 Pennsylvania 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 Scranton
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
AdvancedScranton ranks #23 of 24 Pennsylvania cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $38,301).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Scranton ($38,301) is 18.71% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($47,117).
2021 BLS Actual
$58,400
2025 BLS Actual
$37,433
2026 Current Est.
$38,301
2021–2027 Growth
+-32.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,433 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,190 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Scranton saw their compensation grow -35.9% from $58,400 in 2021 to $37,433 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 $39,190 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
Analyzing the various routes to senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in PA reveals distinct patterns based on specialization and employer type. Specialists focusing on inpatient coding and risk adjustment (HCC coding) tend to command higher wages than their outpatient counterparts. Work settings also significantly influence compensation, with physician group practices and hospital inpatient departments generally offering more competitive pay compared to third-party coding firms or consulting roles. Aspiring leaders in the field can advance to positions such as coding supervisor or HIM director with additional credentials like AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS. These qualifications, combined with non-salary perks such as productivity bonuses and flexible work arrangements, enhance the financial advantages of a senior role. With a robust growth rate of 2.32% anticipated for the next few years, skilled medical billing professionals in Scranton stand to benefit from the expanding demand across diverse specialties.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Scranton in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Scranton?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Scranton?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Scranton?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Scranton?
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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 $37,433 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Scranton 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