Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $62,455 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Chattanooga, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $62,455/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Chattanooga's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $68,284 in average-cost America. The 115% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$62,455
Top 10% Earn
$30.02/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$46,616
75th Percentile
$62,455
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

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

Chattanooga's top earners in the medical billing and coding field can expect a substantial payoff, with the projected salary for those at the 90th percentile hitting $62,455 in 2026. This figure represents nearly a $33,363 increase over the median annual salary of $29,092 for all professionals in this sector. The experience premium for seasoned specialists operating in Chattanooga pulls them into a realm that not only enhances their earnings but also opens up advanced career opportunities. Achieving top-tier pay often requires a blend of relevant certifications and experience in high-demand subspecialties such as inpatient and outpatient coding, as well as risk adjustment coding.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Chattanooga. The median salary is $29,092, compared to the national median of $30,349.$20.0K$31.4K$42.8K$54.2K$65.6K$22.2K10th Pctl$23.5K25th Pctl$29.1KMedian$46.6K75th Pctl$62.5K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Chattanooga earn between $46,616 and $62,455 per year (2026 est.). This $40,230 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chattanooga median of $29,092 sits 4.14% below the US median.

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

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelChattanoogaNational
Median (P50)$29,092$30,349
75th Percentile$46,616$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$62,455$48,159

In Chattanooga, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 114.68% 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 Chattanooga

1

Advanced Certifications in Tennessee

TN medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $29,092 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chattanooga employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Chattanooga command premium compensation, often reaching the $46,616–$62,455 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Tennessee 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 Chattanooga

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$22,225 – $29,092

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$29,092 – $46,616

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$46,616+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Chattanooga ranks #1 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $62,455).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Chattanooga ($62,455) is 28.37% above the Tennessee average P90 ($48,652).

2021 BLS Actual

$63,030

2025 BLS Actual

$61,039

2026 Current Est.

$62,455

2021–2027 Growth

+1.4%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Chattanooga (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 Chattanooga. Baseline $63,030 in 2025, projected to $63,904 by 2027.$53.5K$66.4K$79.3K$92.2K$105.1K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$63.0K$64.5K$97.7K$60.9K$61.0K$62.5K$63.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$63,030Actual
2022$64,460Actual
2023$97,700Actual
2024$60,889Actual
2025$61,039Actual
2026(current)$62,455Estimated
2027$63,904Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Chattanooga saw their compensation grow -3.2% from $63,030 in 2021 to $61,039 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 $63,904 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga

In examining the dynamics of senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in TN, it's crucial to recognize the standout specializations that command higher salaries. Inpatient coding, surgical coding, and risk adjustment coding are particularly lucrative, especially within various employment settings such as hospitals or consulting firms. Employers like physician practice groups and coding audit teams often offer varying pay scales, with third-party coding companies sometimes providing flexibility in work-from-home arrangements. The possibility for advancement is vibrant in Chattanooga, with roles such as coding supervisor or HIM director acting as stepping stones for experienced coders. Moreover, credentials like AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS further enhance earning potential, as employers increasingly value advanced skill sets. Non-salary compensation factors, including bonuses tied to productivity and the choice between remote and in-office work, also play significant roles in driving total compensation for senior professionals in the local market.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Chattanooga (90th percentile) make $62,455/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $33,363 more than the area median of $29,092 — 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 Chattanooga?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Chattanooga include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $29,092, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

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

The 90th percentile in Chattanooga is $62,455. 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 Chattanooga?

In Chattanooga, the gap between entry level ($22,225) and top earners ($62,455) is $40,230, 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 Tennessee

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 $61,039 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Chattanooga 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, 4-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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