Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $17.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Fairbanks, AK runs $17.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $16.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,747 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical billing and coding specialists in Fairbanks, AK, command a median hourly rate of $17.43, which is notably higher than the national median of $14.59. This competitive rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals adept in the intricacies of coding for ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. For those working part-time, such as individuals clocking in three days a week, this translates to a meaningful weekly income that can support flexible work arrangements or supplementary income. Per-diem positions, which are increasingly popular in this field, benefit particularly from this robust hourly pay. Entry-level positions may start around $13.68, while seasoned coders can earn up to $22.63, showing a healthy range that accommodates various levels of experience and expertise. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, underscoring the continued growth of the medical billing profession in Fairbanks.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.68 | $109.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.11 | $112.88 |
| Median (P50) | $17.43 | $139.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.02 | $176.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.63 | $181.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $17.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.43/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $36,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,910. With a cost-of-living index of 103.21 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $697.00 | $3,020 | $36,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $418.20 | $1,812 | $21,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $278.80 | $1,208 | $14,498 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Fairbanks) | $17.43 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $36,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.46% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 94.10% above the Alaska state average of $18,678.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.43/hr = $21,747/year (purchasing power: $21,071).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,244/year (purchasing power: $35,118).
CoL index: 103.208 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.43/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-22.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Fairbanks (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Fairbanks grew -25.6% from $22.89/hr (2021) to $17.03/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Fairbanks
Part-time medical billing and coding specialists, working a 24-hour week, can expect to earn around $20,950 annually, which can be quite attractive for those seeking a balanced work-life dynamic. The per diem model also offers varying compensation; 1099 medical coders frequently bill between $25 to $42 hourly, with CCS-certified inpatient coders earning $35 to $55 and CRC specialists working with Medicare Advantage garnering $40 to $65 per hour. Hourly rates differ not only by the type of employer—physician practices, hospital coding departments, and third-party coding firms—but also in relation to benefits offered. Some specialists accept lower hourly rates for secured health insurance and other perks. Additionally, negotiating hourly wages in Fairbanks can be strategic; understanding the local market and emphasizing certification—such as CPC or CCS from AAPC or AHIMA credentials—can significantly impact earning potential. With the industry increasingly favoring remote work and specialized coding skills in risk adjustment and HCC coding, opportunities abound for those ready to adapt and expand their expertise in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Fairbanks. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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