Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $35,524 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $35,524/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $40,537 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$35,524
Top 10% Earn
$17.08/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$28,231
75th Percentile
$35,524
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Senior Salary in Hattiesburg, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Hattiesburg, MS medical billing and coding specialist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For senior medical billing and coding specialists in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the potential for top-tier compensation is noteworthy. In 2026, those in the 90th percentile can expect to earn up to $35,524 annually, significantly overshadowing the median salary of $25,875. This experienced medical billing and coding specialist salary in Hattiesburg illustrates the substantial earnings gap that can be achieved with advanced experience and specialized skills. Reaching such high pay often requires a combination of certifications and years of hands-on experience in complex coding environments, particularly in areas such as inpatient coding or surgical coding. The local market rewards professionals who consistently demonstrate expertise in their field, and those aiming for senior positions must prioritize continued education and certification upgrades to maximize their earning potential.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Hattiesburg. The median salary is $25,875, compared to the national median of $30,349.$15.1K$20.6K$26.2K$31.7K$37.3K$16.8K10th Pctl$21.6K25th Pctl$25.9KMedian$28.2K75th Pctl$35.5K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $28,231 and $35,524 per year (2026 est.). This $18,747 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $25,875 sits 14.74% below the US median.

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

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelHattiesburgNational
Median (P50)$25,875$30,349
75th Percentile$28,231$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$35,524$48,159

In Hattiesburg, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 37.29% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Hattiesburg

1

Advanced Certifications in Mississippi

MS medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $25,875 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $28,231–$35,524 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Hattiesburg with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hattiesburg

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$16,777 – $25,875

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$25,875 – $28,231

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$28,231+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Hattiesburg ranks #4 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $35,524).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Hattiesburg ($35,524) is 0.69% below the Mississippi average P90 ($35,771).

2021 BLS Actual

$45,980

2025 BLS Actual

$34,719

2026 Current Est.

$35,524

2021–2027 Growth

+-20.9%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Hattiesburg (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 Hattiesburg. Baseline $45,980 in 2025, projected to $36,349 by 2027.$29.9K$38.3K$46.8K$55.2K$63.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$46.0K$55.5K$58.9K$54.5K$34.7K$35.5K$36.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$45,980Actual
2022$55,550Actual
2023$58,850Actual
2024$54,490Actual
2025$34,719Actual
2026(current)$35,524Estimated
2027$36,349Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow -24.5% from $45,980 in 2021 to $34,719 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $36,349 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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.

Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Hattiesburg

In Hattiesburg, specialized skills can significantly influence senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in MS. High-demand areas such as inpatient coding (CCS) and outpatient coding (CPC) often attract the highest salaries, with employers willing to offer premiums for expertise in risk adjustment coding (CRC) and surgical coding. Different employer types also play a role in compensation, as coding positions within hospital inpatient departments might offer different pay compared to remote opportunities with third-party coding companies. Aspiring leaders in this profession have pathways to advancement into roles such as coding supervisor or HIM director, which can further enhance earning potential. Advanced credentials like the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can substantially boost wages, particularly when coupled with experience in specialized audits and compliance. Non-salary benefits, such as productivity bonuses and flexible work arrangements, also contribute to overall job satisfaction in this evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Hattiesburg in 2026?

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Hattiesburg (90th percentile) make $35,524/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $9,649 more than the area median of $25,875 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical billing and coding specialists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Hattiesburg?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Hattiesburg is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Hattiesburg?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Hattiesburg include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $25,875, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Hattiesburg?

The 90th percentile in Hattiesburg is $35,524. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?

In Hattiesburg, the gap between entry level ($16,777) and top earners ($35,524) is $18,747, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Mississippi

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

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $34,719 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Hattiesburg metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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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