Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $28,284▲ | $27,602 |
| Hourly Rate | $13.60▲ | $13.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,397▲ | $19,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,020 | $23,245▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $33,014 | $34,352▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,963▲ | $42,783 |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $682 (2.47%). Knoxville's median is -6.80% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $21,566,Oak Ridge spans $22,823. Oak Ridge 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, Knoxville ($30,555 effective) pays 1.62% more than Oak Ridge ($30,068 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($28,284/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($43,963)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $30,555)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Knoxville grew -25.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -31.9% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$37,110 (2021) → $27,643 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$39,630 (2024) → $26,976 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
Related Comparisons
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