Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $16.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Atlanta, GA runs $16.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $16.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,993 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, the compensation for a medical billing and coding specialist averages around $16.82 per hour, surpassing the national median of $14.59 per hour by +15.27%. This hourly rate is particularly advantageous for those seeking flexible work arrangements, such as part-time employment over three days a week or per-diem positions. Many specialists find roles in remote home offices or hospital departments, with opportunities also available in coding cubicles for physicians and third-party coding companies. The hourly earnings in Atlanta vary significantly, ranging from $11.21 for entry-level positions to $25.78 for top earners, reflecting the spectrum of skills and experience among professionals in the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the significant demand for coders skilled in ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment methodologies.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.21 | $89.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.25 | $106.00 |
| Median (P50) | $16.82 | $134.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.53 | $164.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.78 | $206.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $16.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.82/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $34,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,186. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $672.86 | $2,916 | $34,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $403.71 | $1,749 | $20,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $269.14 | $1,166 | $13,995 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Atlanta) | $16.82 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $34,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.27% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 25.70% above the Georgia state average of $27,832.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.82/hr = $20,993/year (purchasing power: $20,981).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,989/year (purchasing power: $34,968).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.82/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-15.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Atlanta (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Atlanta grew -19.6% from $20.46/hr (2021) to $16.44/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.21/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
The earning potential for part-time medical billing and coding specialists in Atlanta can be substantial; someone working 24 hours a week may expect an annual take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still competitive considering the flexibility offered. For per-diem or 1099 roles, specialists often command higher rates, billing anywhere from $25 to $42 per hour, while certified coders in specialized areas like risk adjustment can earn between $40 and $65 per hour. Hourly pay can differ significantly based on the employer type, with rates typically enhanced in hospital settings, third-party coding firms, and insurance payer teams. While some may prioritize positions offering benefits—even at a lower hourly wage—others may gravitate toward opportunities that provide greater hourly compensation, choosing flexibility over traditional benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, professionals should familiarize themselves with industry standards and local compensation trends, ensuring they advocate effectively for their skills and experience within the vibrant Atlanta market.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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