Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $17.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Fullerton, CA runs $17.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,619 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, medical billing and coding specialists earn a median hourly rate of $17.32, significantly higher than the national median of $14.59. This disparity in pay reflects the local market conditions and the relatively higher cost of living in California. For professionals working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly wage can lead to an annual income of approximately $36,000, offering a reasonable standard of living given the local economy. Additionally, per-diem opportunities are common within this field, providing flexibility for coders who prefer to work on a contract basis. In Fullerton, hourly rates range from $12.06 for entry-level positions to as high as $26.85 for top earners, which allows for various entry points into the profession depending on experience and credentialing.
About the Fullerton 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) | $12.06 | $96.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.35 | $114.76 |
| Median (P50) | $17.32 | $138.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.17 | $177.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.85 | $214.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $17.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.32/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $36,031 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,787. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $692.91 | $3,003 | $36,031 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $415.75 | $1,802 | $21,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $277.16 | $1,201 | $14,413 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Fullerton) | $17.32 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $36,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.74% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 2.70% above the California state average of $35,088.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.32/hr = $21,619/year (purchasing power: $19,115).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,031/year (purchasing power: $31,858).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.32/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Fullerton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Fullerton grew 9.6% from $15.45/hr (2021) to $16.93/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.72/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Part-time medical billing and coding specialists, working 24 hours a week, may take home a substantial portion of the median income, yet still experience significant income variations based on employer type. Per diem medical billing and coding specialist pay in Fullerton can vary greatly; while most bill between $25 and $42 per hour, specialized coders—like CCS inpatient coders—can command rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with CRC risk adjustment specialists at Medicare Advantage payers earning up to $65 hourly. Factors such as the nature of the employer play a critical role; coding professionals in physician group practices may earn less than those working for consulting firms or third-party coding companies that offer remote opportunities. While some specialists opt for lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Understanding the local job market dynamics and negotiating effectively can help aspiring coders maximize their hourly compensation in Fullerton.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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