Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Torrance, CA: $24,291 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Torrance, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,291 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Torrance's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $21,477 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Torrance, California, should anticipate starting salaries around $24,291, which occurs at the 10th percentile. As they gain experience, salaries can rise steadily toward the 25th percentile at $29,117 and eventually reach the median annual salary of $35,681. This progression shows a significant growth potential for entry-level medical billing and coding specialists as they build their expertise and certifications over their first few years. Given the competitive nature of the local market, focusing on developing relevant skills and industry knowledge can make Torrance an attractive city for recent graduates looking to start their careers in this field.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Torrance
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 Torrance
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Torrance, CA typically start between $24,291 and $29,117 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,015 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,681 — 17.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in California of $5,500 represents just 22.64% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,291/year) in Torrance. 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 Torrance
- 1Research the Torrance market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,291 to $29,117, 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 Torrance, 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 Torrance for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Torrance'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 Torrance is $31,015 ( 127.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,291, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,306.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,883
2025 BLS Actual
$23,740
2026 Current Est.
$24,291
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Torrance (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,291 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,854 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Torrance, CA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,883 in 2021 to $23,740 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,854. New graduates entering the Torrance job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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 Torrance
In Torrance, various employers actively recruit entry-level medical billing and coding professionals, including physician group practices, outpatient surgery centers, and third-party coding companies. These organizations often provide structured mentorship for coding apprentices holding a CPC-A credential, which can be beneficial for new graduates. To enhance their starting pay, early-career coders should consider obtaining additional certifications such as the AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS, as well as staying updated on crucial coding changes, particularly in ICD-10-CM and CPT. With the medical coding industry shifting towards remote work, it has become essential for new coders to be adaptable and continuously seek professional development opportunities in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding. Realistically, coders can expect their salaries to grow significantly in the initial years of their careers, particularly in a city like Torrance where demand for qualified specialists continues to rise.
More salary data for Torrance, 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 Torrance. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Torrance 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