Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,486▲ | $30,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.66▲ | $14.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,801▲ | $22,077 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,750▲ | $25,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,447▲ | $36,972 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,162▲ | $44,865 |
| Total Employed | 740 | 970▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $463 (1.54%). Richmond's median is +0.45% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $22,361,Virginia Beach spans $22,788. Virginia Beach 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, Richmond ($31,153 effective) pays 1.63% more than Virginia Beach ($30,654 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($30,486/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($45,162)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $31,153)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Richmond grew -36.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -37.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$46,910 (2021) → $29,795 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$46,640 (2021) → $29,342 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Richmond or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Virginia Beach as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Richmond vs Virginia Beach?
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