Columbus vs Lincoln: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Columbus, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $15,040 | $29,596▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $7.23 | $14.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $12,105 | $22,937▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $13,461 | $26,307▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $18,132 | $36,896▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $23,105 | $43,447▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lincoln is $14,556 (96.78%). Lincoln's median is -2.48% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $11,000,Lincoln spans $20,510. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($32,317 effective) pays 96.61% more than Columbus ($16,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($29,596/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($43,447)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $32,317)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Columbus grew -62.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -22.9% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$39,303 (2024) → $14,699 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$37,500 (2021) → $28,925 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Columbus or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lincoln as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Columbus vs Lincoln?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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