Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $32,248▲ | $27,710 |
| Hourly Rate | $15.51▲ | $13.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,035▲ | $21,076 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,759▲ | $23,521 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,536▲ | $35,469 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,755▲ | $42,951 |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $4,538 (16.38%). Raleigh's median is +6.26% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $33,720,Wake Forest spans $21,875. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($32,853 effective) pays 10.97% more than Wake Forest ($29,605 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($32,248/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,755)
- ✓Larger job market (900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $32,853)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Raleigh grew -20.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -36.2% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$39,790 (2021) → $31,517 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$42,450 (2024) → $27,082 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Raleigh or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wake Forest as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Raleigh vs Wake Forest?
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