Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lowell, MA: $34,749 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Lowell, MA earns a median $34,749/year (≈ $16.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $32,027 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual salary for a medical billing and coding specialist in Lowell, Massachusetts, reaches $34,749, showcasing a competitive market that outpaces the national median of $30,349 by approximately 14.50%. Pay within the local sector varies significantly, with earnings ranging from $25,745 at the 10th percentile to $53,861 at the 90th percentile. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, reflect an evolving landscape where the specialty of coding—including inpatient CCS, outpatient CPC, and risk adjustment coding—impacts salary potential. The presence of a niche job market offers opportunities for specialized positions, particularly in inpatient settings or consultancy roles, marking Lowell as an appealing location for prospective medical coding professionals.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,745 | $12.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,832 | $14.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,749 | $16.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,479 | $21.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,861 | $25.90 |
Median Salary Position
14.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,116 (2026 est.). At $34,749, the local median is 14.5% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Lowell median: $34,749/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $34,645 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +14.50% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lowell, MA earn a median of $34,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.50% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $34,645.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,749 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $32,027 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,986
2025 BLS Actual
$33,961
2026 Current Est.
$34,749
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lowell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,986 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,394 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,749 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,555 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,986 (2021) to $33,961 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,569 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $25,745 – $29,832 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,832 – $34,749 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,749 – $44,479 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,479 – $53,861 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Lowell
The local job market, currently employing 29 medical billing and coding specialists, suggests stable demand for these positions despite economic fluctuations. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, it’s crucial for specialists to understand how this affects their purchasing power. Employers in Lowell, such as physician group practices and hospital coding departments, tend to offer the highest compensation, particularly for experienced coders with additional credentials like CCS or CRC. The salary variance is largely driven by factors such as the type of coding specialty—where inpatient coding commands higher pay—and the desirability of remote work options. To maximize income in this environment, specialists should focus on obtaining multiple certifications, engaging in continual education, and staying updated with changes in coding standards like ICD-10-CM and CPT, as the field continues to shift towards more lucrative, remote coding opportunities.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $33,961 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Lowell metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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