Lexington vs Paducah: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $29,531▲ | $27,257 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.19▲ | $13.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,445▲ | $21,727 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,302▲ | $22,504 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,364▲ | $35,126 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $42,539▲ | $38,818 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $2,274 (8.34%). Lexington's median is -2.70% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $20,094,Paducah spans $17,091. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($31,792 effective) pays 0.41% more than Paducah ($31,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($29,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($42,539)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $31,792)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Lexington grew -36.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -39.4% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$45,250 (2021) → $28,861 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$43,990 (2024) → $26,639 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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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
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