Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $16.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in San Clemente, CA runs $16.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,886 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $14.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,929 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical billing and coding specialist hourly pay in San Clemente, California, is projected to be $16.77, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $14.59. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to an annual income that allows for a reasonable standard of living, especially in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1. The profession’s diverse settings, including remote home offices, hospital health information management (HIM) departments, and consulting firm environments, offer flexible work opportunities. The hourly rates range from $11.63 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $26.00 for the top earners (90th percentile), presenting a spectrum of earning potential for professionals at different stages in their careers.
About the San Clemente 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) | $11.63 | $93.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.41 | $115.25 |
| Median (P50) | $16.77 | $134.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.47 | $171.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.00 | $208.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $16.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.77/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $34,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,124. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $670.81 | $2,907 | $34,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $402.49 | $1,744 | $20,929 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $268.32 | $1,163 | $13,953 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (San Clemente) | $16.77 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $34,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.60% below the California state average of $35,097.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.77/hr = $20,929/year (purchasing power: $18,505).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,882/year (purchasing power: $30,842).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$14.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.77/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in San Clemente (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in San Clemente grew 9.6% from $14.95/hr (2021) to $16.39/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.16/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
When considering part-time work schedules, a medical billing and coding specialist who commits to a 24-hour work week would take home approximately $26,120 annually, compared to full-time rates that could significantly rise. Many professionals opt for per diem arrangements, billing rates range widely for different specialties; 1099 medical coders may charge between $25-$42 per hour, while those holding advanced credentials, such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), might earn $35-$55 per hour. In San Clemente, the employer type also influences hourly pay; coding roles within physician group practices often command lower wages than those in consulting firms or third-party coding companies. The trade-off between hourly pay and job security or benefits is a common debate among coders. Those accepting positions with lower pay for the added value of health insurance can find reassurance in stability, while others may pursue higher hourly rates in freelance roles. Negotiation for hourly rates within this dynamic should focus on the level of expertise, credentials, and the specificity of services offered, which can significantly impact compensation.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in San Clemente in 2026?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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