Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Novato, CA: $16.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Novato, CA runs $16.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Novato's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $14.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,159 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Novato, California, the hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist reaches a median of $16.95, surpassing the national median of $14.59. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare coding sector, especially as the landscape increasingly shifts toward remote work settings. With entry-level positions starting around $12.04 per hour and top earners making approximately $26.13, individuals can find opportunities suited to various experience levels. Part-time and per-diem workers in this field, frequently engaged in remote roles, have the flexibility to manage their schedules effectively, making this profession appealing for those seeking work-life balance—common in home offices, hospital departments, and third-party coding companies.
About the Novato 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) | $12.04 | $96.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.14 | $113.12 |
| Median (P50) | $16.95 | $135.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.14 | $169.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.13 | $209.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novato
Based on $16.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.95/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novato, CA can expect to earn approximately $35,265 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,345. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Novato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $678.18 | $2,939 | $35,265 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $406.91 | $1,763 | $21,159 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $271.27 | $1,176 | $14,106 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Novato) | $16.95 |
| 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 Novato, CA earn a median of $35,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.18% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.50% above the California state average of $35,085.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.95/hr = $21,159/year (purchasing power: $18,708).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,265/year (purchasing power: $31,181).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.95/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Novato (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Novato grew 9.6% from $15.12/hr (2021) to $16.57/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.35/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 Novato 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 Novato
When examining part-time earnings for a medical billing and coding specialist working three days a week, it’s essential to consider the impact on yearly take-home pay. A professional working 24 hours weekly could earn a significantly lower annual income when compared to full-time roles. Per diem medical billing and coding specialists' hourly rates can range from $25 to $42, with specialized roles like certified coders in inpatient coding or risk adjustment potentially earning between $35 and $65 hourly. Across various employer types in Novato—such as hospitals, physician practices, and remote coding companies—hourly rates can fluctuate based on the complexity of the work and types of benefits offered. Many professionals face a choice between accepting lower hourly wages with health insurance or opting for higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies within this context can help specialists secure better pay while considering the total compensation package.
More salary data for Novato, 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 Novato. 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 Novato 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