Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $21.23 (2026)

For a medical billing and coding specialist working part-time—say, three days a week—taking home approximately $2,156 annually for 24 hours per week could present an interesting contrast to full-time earnings. Per diem positions offer flexibility and typically higher hourly pay rates, with 1099 coders billing anywhere from $25 to $42 per hour; CCS inpatient coders can earn $35 to $55 hourly, while CRC risk adjustment specialists at Medicare Advantage payers might even range from $40 to $65 per hour. Employers across various settings, including physician group practices, hospital inpatient coding departments, and independent consulting firms, can influence hourly rates. Coders often weigh the trade-off between higher earnings without benefits against more stable hourly rates that include healthcare coverage. This decision-making is crucial in a city known for its high living costs. As you negotiate your hourly pay, be aware of these dynamics and quantify your skills and certifications, ensuring you achieve the best possible arrangement for your expertise in coding, particularly in high-demand areas like ICD-10 and risk adjustment coding.