Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $17.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Fairfield, CA runs $17.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,695 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, the projected median hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist is set at $17.38 in 2026, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $14.59. This elevated hourly wage reflects the demand for skilled professionals in a landscape where many workers are now operating from home, particularly in remote settings or consulting arrangements. For part-time specialists, often working three days a week, this translates into a viable income, while per-diem workers may benefit from flexible schedules and a varied hourly earnings landscape ranging from $12.27 for entry-level positions to $26.95 for top earners. While the hourly rates vary, they indicate a healthy labor market for those in this profession, allowing for diverse work environments that include hospital departments, physician offices, and third-party coding companies.
About the Fairfield 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) | $12.27 | $98.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.48 | $115.83 |
| Median (P50) | $17.38 | $139.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.02 | $176.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.95 | $215.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $17.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.38/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $36,159 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,861. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $695.37 | $3,013 | $36,159 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $417.22 | $1,808 | $21,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $278.15 | $1,205 | $14,464 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Fairfield) | $17.38 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $36,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.17% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 3.10% above the California state average of $35,081.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.38/hr = $21,695/year (purchasing power: $19,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,159/year (purchasing power: $31,971).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.38/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Fairfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Fairfield grew 9.6% from $15.50/hr (2021) to $16.99/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.79/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
When considering part-time opportunities, a medical billing and coding specialist in Fairfield working a standard 24-hour week can expect to take home approximately $21,553 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts, yet still a practical option for many. On the per-diem front, those billing under 1099 arrangements can command higher hourly rates, with free-lancers typically earning between $25-$42 and seasoned CCS inpatient coders earning between $35-$55 per hour. This flexibility appeals to professionals wanting to balance work-life commitments while maintaining a competitive wage. However, it's essential to remember that employers vary widely in what they offer, with hospitals often providing more stable benefits compared to coding firms that may provide higher hourly pay but less job security. For negotiation, specialists might focus on the added value of their credentials, especially in risk adjustment and HCC coding, as these areas continue to see significant growth.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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