Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $13.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Tempe, AZ runs $13.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $27,164 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $13.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $16,294 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, the 2026 median hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist stands at $13.06, slightly below the national median of $14.59. This pay rate offers a solid foundation for both part-time practitioners and per-diem workers who often find themselves in versatile environments, such as remote home offices or hospital HIM departments. With an hourly range stretching from $9.71 at the entry level to $20.24 for more seasoned professionals, opportunities in coding cubicles, coding firms, and consulting sites may attract candidates with varying levels of expertise. Given the prevalence of remote work, many specialists are embracing flexible schedules, allowing them to optimize their income in accordance with personal circumstances.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.71 | $77.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $11.23 | $89.88 |
| Median (P50) | $13.06 | $104.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $16.39 | $131.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.24 | $161.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $13.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $13.06/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $27,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $15,667. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $522.24 | $2,263 | $27,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $313.34 | $1,358 | $16,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $208.90 | $905 | $10,863 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Tempe) | $13.06 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $27,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $27,056.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $13.06/hr = $16,294/year (purchasing power: $16,542).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $27,157/year (purchasing power: $27,570).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$11.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$12.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$13.06/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Tempe (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $12.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $12.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Tempe grew 9.6% from $11.64/hr (2021) to $12.76/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $13.36/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
For those pursuing part-time positions, the earning potential as a medical billing and coding specialist operating three days a week can yield an annual income that varies considerably from full-time work. Typically, a part-time schedule of 24 hours may translate to around $20,000, which remains quite manageable considering the local cost of living. Per diem medical billing and coding specialist pay in Tempe, on the other hand, often reaches between $25 and $42 per hour, especially for those holding specialized certifications like CCS or CRC. It is also common for hourly rates to fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer, with opportunities across hospital departments, physician practice offices, and third-party coding firms. Many specialists must weigh the advantages of higher hourly rates against the stability provided by benefits in a salaried role. When seeking negotiation tactics, candidates should demonstrate their proficiency with key systems, certifications, and areas of expertise to command competitive rates effectively.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
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 Tempe. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tempe 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