Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Concord, CA: $25,080 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Concord, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,080 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,175 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,964) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Concord, California can anticipate a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary around $25,080, which represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for this profession. This entry-level wage is substantially lower than the city’s overall median annual salary of $35,964, indicating a clear gap that reflects the positions' junior status. As newly minted coders gain experience and refine their skills, there is potential for upward movement within the salary scale, transitioning from the P10 threshold to P25 at approximately $29,690 within the first few years. Given the competitive landscape for medical billing and coding specialists, Concord appears to offer reasonable opportunities for recent graduates in this sector, supported by a projected annual growth rate of 2.32%.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Concord, CA typically start between $25,080 and $29,690 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,665 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,964 — 18.5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in California of $5,500 represents just 21.93% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,080/year) in Concord. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,080 to $29,690, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Concord's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Concord is $30,665 ( 122.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,080, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,745.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,496
2025 BLS Actual
$24,511
2026 Current Est.
$25,080
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Concord (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,239 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,511 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,080 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,662 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, CA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,496 in 2021 to $24,511 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,662. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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.
Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Concord
To secure entry-level roles in Concord, new graduates should consider targeting local employers such as third-party coding firms, physician group practices, and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. These employers frequently seek candidates with relevant credentials like the AAPC’s CPC-A certification, which is designed for apprentice coders, or the AHIMA's CCS certification for inpatient roles. Additionally, continuous education in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding can lead to improved starting salaries over time. Career-wise, the first 1-3 years may involve flexibility, with many positions transitioning to remote work, which became increasingly common post-2020. Focusing on subspecialties such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, which have seen remarkable growth, could provide an additional edge in both skill set and expected pay. In this market, new professionals can realistically expect their compensation to progress from the initial pay scale towards a more stable salary structure as they enhance their qualifications and experience.
More salary data for Concord, CA:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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