Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $29,495▲ | $27,816 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.18▲ | $13.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,776▲ | $20,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,468▲ | $23,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,788▲ | $34,717 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,643▲ | $42,605 |
| Total Employed | 3,260▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre is $1,679 (6.04%). Philadelphia's median is -2.81% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $26,867,Wilkes-Barre spans $22,352. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($28,760 effective) pays 0.71% more than Wilkes-Barre ($28,559 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($29,495/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,643)
- ✓Larger job market (3,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $28,760)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Philadelphia grew -41.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -45.5% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$49,020 (2021) → $28,826 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$49,842 (2024) → $27,185 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Philadelphia or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre?
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