Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $17.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in San Mateo, CA runs $17.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,274 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the medical billing and coding specialist hourly pay stands at a median of $17.05. This rate comfortably exceeds the national median of $14.59, showcasing the demand for skilled professionals in this area. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, this hourly pay translates into a potential income of around $33,000 for a 3-day workweek, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking flexibility. The hourly wage for medical billing and coding specialists in San Mateo ranges from $11.48 for entry-level positions to as much as $26.42 for advanced roles, reflecting experience and specific skill sets. Given the prevalent remote work model adopted post-2020, many specialists operate from home offices or remote settings, which can enhance their work-life balance while earning competitive wages.
About the San Mateo 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) | $11.48 | $91.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.79 | $118.28 |
| Median (P50) | $17.05 | $136.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.54 | $172.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.42 | $211.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $17.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.05/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $35,457 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,456. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $681.86 | $2,955 | $35,457 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $409.12 | $1,773 | $21,274 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $272.74 | $1,182 | $14,183 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (San Mateo) | $17.05 |
| 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 Mateo, CA earn a median of $35,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.81% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.10% above the California state average of $35,066.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.05/hr = $21,274/year (purchasing power: $18,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,457/year (purchasing power: $31,350).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in San Mateo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in San Mateo grew 9.6% from $15.20/hr (2021) to $16.66/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.44/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 Mateo 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 Mateo
Regarding the earning potential for part-time workers, a medical billing and coding specialist working 24 hours a week can take home an estimated annual income of around $33,000. However, per-diem or agency employment structures come with higher potential earnings; per diem medical billing and coding specialists typically charge between $25 and $42 per hour. In more specialized roles, such as CCS inpatient coders, hourly compensation can rise to $35-$55, while CRC risk adjustment specialists often see rates between $40 and $65. Earnings vary significantly based on employer type; for instance, individuals in hospital coding departments or third-party coding companies may see fluctuations in pay rates. While some professionals might choose lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, others will opt for higher pay without benefits for the flexibility it provides. To negotiate effectively in San Mateo, candidates should research specific industry demands and highlight their AAPC or AHIMA credentials, which can help bridge any gaps between desired and offered rates.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in San Mateo?
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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 Mateo. 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 Mateo 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