Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $25.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $25.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,668 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunnyvale, California, the median hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist is projected to be $25.38 in 2026. This competitive rate stands in sharp contrast to the national median hourly rate of just $14.59, showcasing the demand for skilled professionals in this area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $39,091 annually, providing a substantial income compared to others in the field. Entry-level coders might start at around $18.03, while top earners in the profession can make up to $39.33 an hour. The variety of work settings, from remote home offices to hospital HIM departments and third-party coding companies, offers flexibility and opportunities for all types of medical billing and coding specialists in the region.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $18.03 | $144.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.20 | $169.61 |
| Median (P50) | $25.38 | $203.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.48 | $259.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.33 | $314.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $25.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.38/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,781 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,450. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,015.01 | $4,398 | $52,781 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $609.01 | $2,639 | $31,668 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.01 | $1,759 | $21,112 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Sunnyvale) | $25.38 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $52,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 73.90% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 50.40% above the California state average of $35,090.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.38/hr = $31,668/year (purchasing power: $28,000).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,781/year (purchasing power: $46,667).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.38/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Sunnyvale (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Sunnyvale grew 9.6% from $22.63/hr (2021) to $24.80/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.96/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
Part-time specialists in Sunnyvale can earn significantly while still maintaining a flexible schedule, allowing them to balance personal obligations. For instance, a medical billing and coding specialist working part-time (approximately 24 hours a week) could take home about $39,091 annually, showcasing the financial viability of part-time work. Additionally, per-diem coders often command hourly rates ranging from $25 to $42, while those with specialized credentials like CCS or CRC can earn even more—upwards of $55/hr based on their expertise. Hourly pay can vary widely depending on the employer type; coding offices, hospital departments, or consulting firms may offer different compensation packages. Some may choose positions with lower hourly wages that include benefits over higher pay without health coverage. For those seeking to negotiate their worth in this competitive market, understanding local market rates and showcasing relevant certifications from AAPC or AHIMA can strengthen their case and leverage their potential for increased hourly pay.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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