Arecibo vs San Juan: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Arecibo, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $16,812 | $17,062▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $8.08 | $8.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $14,065▲ | $12,997 |
| 25th Percentile | $14,510▲ | $14,012 |
| 75th Percentile | $21,317 | $26,718▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $27,892 | $34,385▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 1,380▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arecibo.
The salary gap between Arecibo and San Juan is $250 (1.49%). San Juan's median is -43.78% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $13,827,San Juan spans $21,388. San Juan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($17,062/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($34,385)
- ✓Larger job market (1,380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Arecibo grew -25.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -25.6% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$21,930 (2021) → $16,431 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$22,400 (2021) → $16,675 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Arecibo or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arecibo and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Arecibo to San Juan as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Arecibo vs San Juan?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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