Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $43,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Knoxville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $43,963/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Knoxville's price premium (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,492 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For experienced medical billing and coding specialists in Knoxville, navigating the career landscape can lead to notable financial rewards, particularly for those with extensive industry knowledge and experience exceeding seven years. In 2026, top earners can expect a salary reaching $43,963, while those in the 75th percentile may earn around $33,014. This compensation reflects a significant experience premium compared to the median annual salary of $28,284. Achieving this high tier often requires not only exceptional coding skills but also specialized certifications such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), as well as a commitment to continuous learning to stay abreast of complex regulations and billing procedures in Knoxville's healthcare landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Knoxville earn between $33,014 and $43,963 per year (2026 est.). This $21,566 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Knoxville median of $28,284 sits 6.8% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Knoxville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $28,284 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $33,014 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $43,963 | $48,159 |
In Knoxville, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 55.43% 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 Knoxville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $28,284 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Knoxville employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Knoxville command premium compensation, often reaching the $33,014–$43,963 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Knoxville metro area, which is a large MBS employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Knoxville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Tennessee 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 Knoxville
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKnoxville ranks #8 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $43,963).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Knoxville ($43,963) is 9.64% below the Tennessee average P90 ($48,652).
2021 BLS Actual
$57,090
2025 BLS Actual
$42,966
2026 Current Est.
$43,963
2021–2027 Growth
+-21.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Knoxville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $57,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,983 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Knoxville saw their compensation grow -24.7% from $57,090 in 2021 to $42,966 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 $44,983 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Knoxville
In examining compensation dynamics for senior medical billing and coding specialists in TN, it's clear that specialization can significantly influence pay levels. Coding disciplines such as inpatient coding (CCS), surgical coding, and risk adjustment (CRC) command premium salaries due to their complexity. Additionally, where one is employed plays a crucial role; professionals working for hospitals or payer audit teams often enjoy higher compensation compared to those in physician group practices or ambulatory surgery centers. Advancement opportunities abound—becoming a lead coder or HIM director can facilitate pathways to enhanced roles with greater responsibilities and corresponding pay increases. Moreover, credential stacking, such as holding multiple AAPC or AHIMA certifications, not only boosts marketability but also leads to increased earnings potential, particularly in a landscape where remote work has become the norm.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Knoxville in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Knoxville?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Knoxville?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Knoxville?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Knoxville?
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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
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 $42,966 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Knoxville 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