Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Marietta, GA: $20,596 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Marietta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,596 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marietta's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,122 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,318) within a few years of clinical practice.

$20,596
Starting Salary
$9.90/hr
Starting Hourly
$20,596
Entry Level
$27,318
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Marietta, GA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Marietta, GA medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Marietta, Georgia, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be around $20,596 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $27,318, creating a gap that can raise expectations for recent graduates. Over the first few years, young coders can reasonably anticipate growth in their earnings, moving from the initial entry-level salary to approximately $23,650 within a few years, aiming for the median as they gain experience. Given the cost of living index in Marietta at 93.1, which is below the national average, this city presents a viable market for new graduates, although they may need to strategically develop their skills to advance more quickly in salary.

About the Marietta Market

Salary estimated from Georgia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Marietta

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$20,596/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$23,650/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$27,318/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$34,914/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marietta

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Marietta. The median salary is $27,318, compared to the national median of $30,349.$18.5K$25.0K$31.5K$38.0K$44.5K$20.6K10th Pctl$23.6K25th Pctl$27.3KMedian$34.9K75th Pctl$42.3K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Marietta, GA typically start between $20,596 and $23,650 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,747 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,3189.99% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Marietta metro area.

Return on Investment

$3,200
Avg GA Program Cost
$20,596
Starting Salary
15.54%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Georgia of $3,200 represents just 15.54% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($20,596/year) in Marietta. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.

MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marietta

  • 1Research the Marietta market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $20,596 to $23,650, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marietta, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marietta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Marietta's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range

The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Marietta is $21,747 ( 105.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,596, experienced hygienists can earn up to $42,343.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$16,011

2025 BLS Actual

$20,129

2026 Current Est.

$20,596

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Marietta (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Marietta. Baseline $16,011 in 2025, projected to $21,074 by 2027.$12.7K$18.5K$24.3K$30.1K$35.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.0K$17.3K$19.1K$32.6K$20.1K$20.6K$21.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$16,011Actual
2022$17,251Actual
2023$19,084Actual
2024$32,575Actual
2025$20,129Actual
2026(current)$20,596Estimated
2027$21,074Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Marietta, GA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,011 in 2021 to $20,129 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,074. New graduates entering the Marietta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marietta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Marietta

Employers in Marietta that typically offer entry-level positions for new medical billing and coding graduates include third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams. These organizations often hire CPC-A (apprentice) coders and provide structured mentorship, which is invaluable for skill development. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers frequently seek entry-level coders right out of certification programs. However, positions in hospital inpatient coding typically require a CCS credential and more experience. To enhance their salaries and job prospects, new coders would benefit from obtaining certifications such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS-P, while also ensuring they stay updated on coding changes, including ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates. Having these credentials and engaging in continual learning, especially in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, could lead to better salary growth and opportunities in Marietta, with realistic expectations for salary increases in the first few years being substantial with the right qualifications and dedication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Marietta in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Marietta start at approximately $20,596/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $9.90/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Marietta?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Marietta progress from the entry-level salary of $20,596 to the area median of $27,318 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $42,343 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Marietta?

With a starting salary of $20,596/year in Marietta and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Marietta?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Marietta typically start near the 10th percentile at $20,596/year, or approximately $9.90/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Georgia?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Georgia, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Georgia, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Georgia

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marietta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Marietta is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).

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

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