Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bristol, VA: $41,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Bristol, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $41,675/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Bristol's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $40,383 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A career as a senior medical billing and coding specialist in Bristol, Virginia, can be quite lucrative for those at the top of the pay scale, with the highest earners expecting to make around $41,675 in 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the estimated median annual salary of $27,823 for this profession in the same year. The gap between median salaries and top-tier compensation illustrates the premium placed on experience and specialized skill sets, such as inpatient coding or coding auditing. To reach this level of pay, professionals typically need at least seven years of experience, along with advanced credentials that showcase their expertise within specific coding practices.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Bristol earn between $34,501 and $41,675 per year (2026 est.). This $20,247 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bristol median of $27,823 sits 8.32% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Bristol | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $27,823 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $34,501 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $41,675 | $48,159 |
In Bristol, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 49.79% 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 Bristol
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $27,823 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bristol employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Bristol command premium compensation, often reaching the $34,501–$41,675 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bristol metro area 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 Bristol with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Virginia 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 Bristol
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
AdvancedBristol ranks #32 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $41,675).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Bristol ($41,675) is 5.77% below the Virginia average P90 ($44,228).
2021 BLS Actual
$37,242
2025 BLS Actual
$40,730
2026 Current Est.
$41,675
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,242 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,465 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,642 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Bristol saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $37,242 in 2021 to $40,730 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 $42,642 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
Several factors can influence compensation in Bristol, including the type of employer and specialization within the field. Inpatient coding, outpatient coding, and risk adjustment coding are among the areas that command higher salaries. Senior medical billing and coding specialists might find employment in various settings, such as hospital inpatient coding departments or physician group practices, each offering different pay scales. Those pursuing leadership roles, like coding supervisor or HIM director, often experience further financial rewards. To boost earning potential, professionals can stack credentials from AAPC or AHIMA and develop specialized skills in coding audit or compliance. Overall, the senior-level compensation landscape in VA favors those with strategic knowledge and flexibility, especially given the rising demand for remote coding roles post-2020.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Bristol in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Bristol?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Bristol?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Bristol?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Bristol?
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Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $40,730 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Bristol 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
Salary data for Bristol 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