Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Elk Grove, CA: $17.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Elk Grove, CA runs $17.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Elk Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,363 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk Grove, California, medical billing and coding specialists earn a median hourly rate of $17.12, significantly above the national median of $14.59. This competitive pay level reflects the increasing demand for qualified coders in the region, particularly as many positions have transitioned to remote settings, which became prevalent after 2020. For part-time workers, who might typically log 24 hours a week, this rate translates to an annualized income that allows for a comfortable lifestyle while also accommodating other commitments. The hourly rates span from $11.65 at entry level to $26.54 for top earners, showcasing opportunities for growth within the profession. As the industry evolves, the diversity in workplace environments—from hospital HIM departments to third-party coding companies—offers various experiences that can influence pay rates and job satisfaction.
About the Elk Grove Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.65 | $93.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.94 | $111.49 |
| Median (P50) | $17.12 | $136.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.73 | $173.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.54 | $212.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk Grove
Based on $17.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.12/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $35,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,542. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elk Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $684.73 | $2,967 | $35,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $410.84 | $1,780 | $21,363 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $273.89 | $1,187 | $14,242 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Elk Grove) | $17.12 |
| 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 Elk Grove, CA earn a median of $35,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.34% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.50% above the California state average of $35,087.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.12/hr = $21,363/year (purchasing power: $18,889).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,606/year (purchasing power: $31,482).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.12/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Elk Grove (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Elk Grove grew 9.6% from $15.26/hr (2021) to $16.73/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.52/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 Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove
Focusing on part-time earnings, a medical billing and coding specialist working three days a week in Elk Grove can expect to take home approximately $26,748 annually, while full-time counterparts may find earnings considerably higher. This lucrative potential draws many professionals to opt for per diem or agency roles, where rates can range from $25 to $42 per hour for 1099 contractors. For instance, CCS inpatient coders command $35 to $55 per hour, and those in risk adjustment coding can bill between $40 and $65, enhancing their flexibility. Pay scales differ considerably based on employer type; for example, physician group practices may offer lower hourly wages compared to hospital inpatient coding roles, while remote positions at third-party coding companies might also entice candidates with a higher hourly pay in exchange for no benefits. Specialists often face tough choices between accepting lower hourly wages for consistent health insurance or pursuing higher hourly pay rates without benefits. Effective negotiation tactics, such as presenting relevant experience and industry certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA, can significantly impact compensation discussions for these hourly workers in Elk Grove.
More salary data for Elk Grove, 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
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 Elk Grove. 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 Elk Grove 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