Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Orange, CA: $16.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Orange, CA runs $16.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $14.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Orange, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $16.62, which is notably higher than the national median of $14.59. This figure reflects the competitive pay landscape, allowing both full-time and part-time workers to thrive in various settings, including remote home offices, hospital HIM departments, and third-party coding companies. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, could earn a stable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range spans from $11.85 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $25.75 for experienced top earners, demonstrating a robust earning potential for diligent professionals engaged in the field. This hourly data is derived from estimated annual salaries, illustrating a healthy compensation rate within CA's healthcare sector.
About the Orange 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) | $11.85 | $94.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.56 | $108.46 |
| Median (P50) | $16.62 | $132.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.11 | $168.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.75 | $206.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orange
Based on $16.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.62/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orange, CA can expect to earn approximately $34,563 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,940. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $664.67 | $2,880 | $34,563 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $398.80 | $1,728 | $20,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $265.87 | $1,152 | $13,825 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Orange) | $16.62 |
| 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 Orange, CA earn a median of $34,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.50% below the California state average of $35,082.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.62/hr = $20,738/year (purchasing power: $18,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,563/year (purchasing power: $30,560).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$14.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.62/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Orange (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Orange grew 9.6% from $14.82/hr (2021) to $16.24/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.00/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 Orange 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 Orange
For part-time professionals working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can be significantly different compared to full-time employees, allowing for a tailored work-life balance. In the realm of per-diem assignments, medical billing and coding specialists can command rates ranging from $25 to $42 per hour for typical coding tasks, with inpatient coders earning upwards of $35 to $55 per hour, depending on expertise like CCS and risk adjustment coding. Employers such as physician group practices and third-party coding companies also influence hourly rates, with some specialists facing choices between lower wages that include benefits and higher pay that excludes them. Negotiating an hourly rate in Orange could hinge on these factors, requiring a thoughtful approach when deciding between various employment structures, particularly as the demand for specialists continues to rise alongside evolving coding requirements. In this dynamic environment, being informed and prepared for negotiation can significantly impact long-term earning potential.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Orange?
Are medical billing and coding specialists in Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Orange?
Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Orange?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Orange. 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 Orange 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