Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Manteca, CA: $25,622 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Manteca, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,622 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manteca's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,654 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,294) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those stepping into the field, starting medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Manteca, CA are projected at about $25,622 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $34,294, highlighting the financial gap new graduates will initially face. However, there is room for growth within the profession; as new hires gain experience, they can expect their salaries to rise, with opportunities to reach the 25th percentile earning approximately $29,514 after a few years. The Manteca job market is relatively favorable for entry-level candidates, and the expected salary growth in this region, paired with the potential for remote work, makes pursuing a career as a medical billing and coding specialist an inviting option for recent graduates.
About the Manteca Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manteca
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 Manteca
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Manteca, CA typically start between $25,622 and $29,514 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,533 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,294 — 13% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in California of $5,500 represents just 21.47% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,622/year) in Manteca. 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 Manteca
- 1Research the Manteca market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,622 to $29,514, 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 Manteca, 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 Manteca for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Manteca'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 Manteca is $27,533 ( 107.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,622, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,155.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,918
2025 BLS Actual
$25,041
2026 Current Est.
$25,622
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Manteca (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,918 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,742 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,684 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,041 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,622 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,216 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Manteca, CA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,918 in 2021 to $25,041 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,216. New graduates entering the Manteca job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manteca 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 Manteca
In Manteca, several employers actively seek to hire newly minted professionals in medical billing and coding. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently recruit certified professional coders, particularly those holding a CPC-A designation, as they offer mentorship for entry-level talent. Additionally, local physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers provide opportunities for entry-level CPC roles, while hospital inpatient coding typically requires more advanced credentials like a CCS. Pursuing ongoing education and attaining certifications from recognized bodies such as AAPC and AHIMA can enhance a graduate's starting position and salary potential in California's competitive landscape. In the first few years, newly certified specialists should focus on continuous learning, especially in rapidly expanding areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, which have seen significant growth in the post-pandemic job market. As remote work becomes the standard in this field, new coders have the potential for a more flexible work environment, setting the stage for a meaningful career as they navigate their professional development.
More salary data for Manteca, 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 Manteca. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manteca 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