Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $16.43 (2026)

The part-time earning potential for a medical billing and coding specialist working 24 hours a week can yield an approximate annual income that differs significantly when compared to full-time positions. While consistent hours provide steady earnings, many medical coders also find opportunities as per-diem workers. Typically, these per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can bill rates ranging from $25 to $42/hour, with inpatient coders achieving even higher hourly rates of $35 to $55, and risk adjustment specialists tapping into $40 to $65 per hour from Medicare Advantage payers. Employers, such as third-party coding firms or hospital coding departments, often set varying rates depending on their specific hiring needs and the benefits they might offer. Many specialists face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits or lower wages that include health insurance and other perks. For those negotiating hourly pay in Lakewood, it is beneficial to discuss potential benefits, evaluate market rates specific to employer types, and consider how their unique skills in areas like ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment coding add value.