Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $16.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $16.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,060 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $14.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the medical billing and coding specialist hourly pay is projected to reach $16.37 in 2026, notably above the national median of $14.59. This difference represents a favorable environment for professionals in the region, particularly for those engaging in part-time roles or per-diem positions. For instance, a medical billing and coding specialist working three days a week may earn around $24,999 annually, gaining the flexibility many seek in home-office settings or within the structured environment of hospital coding departments. Entry-level positions can start at approximately $11.99, while experienced specialists can command rates as high as $25.39. Considering the recent trend of remote work, many specialists prefer flexible job arrangements, allowing them to adjust their schedules while still benefiting from competitive pay in the diverse settings across Laguna Niguel.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $11.99 | $95.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.96 | $111.65 |
| Median (P50) | $16.37 | $130.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.97 | $167.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.39 | $203.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $16.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.37/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $34,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,645. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $654.85 | $2,838 | $34,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $392.91 | $1,703 | $20,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $261.94 | $1,135 | $13,621 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Laguna Niguel) | $16.37 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $34,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 2.90% below the California state average of $35,078.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.37/hr = $20,431/year (purchasing power: $18,065).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,052/year (purchasing power: $30,108).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$14.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.37/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Laguna Niguel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Laguna Niguel grew 9.6% from $14.60/hr (2021) to $16.00/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.75/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Several factors contribute to the earning potential for medical billing and coding specialists in Laguna Niguel. Part-time workers, clocking in around 24 hours weekly, might expect a take-home pay significantly less than that of full-time employees, often yielding lower annual earnings yet enjoying increased work-life balance. Per-diem medical billing and coding specialists in the region may bill between $25 and $42 per hour, with additional roles such as CCS inpatient coders possibly reaching $35-$55 per hour. Hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the employer type; for example, those working for physician group practices or hospital departments might earn differently than those in third-party coding companies or consulting firms. While some specialists might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay at the expense of such benefits. Negotiation is crucial for local professionals; understanding the regional standards and emphasizing specialized skills, such as risk adjustment familiarity in Medicare Advantage coding, can lead to more favorable hourly offers.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Laguna Niguel?
Are medical billing and coding specialists in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
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Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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