Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Daly City, CA: $25,025 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Daly City, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,025 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daly City's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,126 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,004) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Graduating as a medical billing and coding specialist in Daly City, CA, comes with realistic expectations for entry-level salaries, which start at around $25,025 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $36,004, it reflects the typical starting point for many young professionals entering the field. As a new grad, individuals can expect to see salary progression as they gain experience, moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, with earning potential gradually increasing over the first three to five years. Given the growth trajectory in the medical coding field, Daly City currently presents a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers in this essential sector.
About the Daly City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daly City
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 Daly City
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Daly City, CA typically start between $25,025 and $29,771 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,781 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,004 — 18.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in California of $5,500 represents just 21.98% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,025/year) in Daly City. 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 Daly City
- 1Research the Daly City market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,025 to $29,771, 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 Daly City, 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 Daly City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Daly City'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 Daly City is $30,781 ( 123.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,025, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,806.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,454
2025 BLS Actual
$24,458
2026 Current Est.
$25,025
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Daly City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,189 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,391 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,025 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,606 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Daly City, CA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,454 in 2021 to $24,458 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,606. New graduates entering the Daly City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daly City 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 Daly City
Employers in Daly City actively seek out new graduates for various roles that support their entry into the profession. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often welcome CPC-A (apprentice) coders, offering structured mentorship that can enhance early career development. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) offer entry-level roles that require a CPC certification, whereas hospital positions typically demand a CCS credential. Pursuing certifications from recognized bodies, such as AAPC or AHIMA, can significantly boost an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist's salary in California. These roles in medical coding increasingly operate in remote environments, with an emphasis on continuous learning to keep up with industry changes such as ICD-10-CM updates. As the risk adjustment coding discipline grows, particularly in Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplace settings, this specialization offers promising avenues for early-career coders. Realistic salary growth in the first few years for new coders can be expected as they develop their skills and meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
More salary data for Daly City, 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 Daly City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daly City 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