Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Dalton, GA: $11.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Dalton, GA runs $11.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $24,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Dalton's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.8, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $12.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $14,417 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dalton, Georgia, the hourly compensation for medical billing and coding specialists averages around $11.55, which falls significantly below the national median of $14.59 per hour. This disparity presents challenges for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem positions, as specialists often fill roles in remote home offices, hospital HIM departments, and at consulting firms. Entry-level positions may start at about $9.49, while seasoned experts can achieve pay rates nearing $18.27. With the evolving healthcare landscape, including the rise of remote work due to the pandemic, potential employers in Dalton include both local practices and third-party coding companies, further shaping the hourly landscape within this field. Data from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data illustrate the hourly pay structure that is essential for anyone considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Dalton.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.49 | $75.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $10.65 | $85.21 |
| Median (P50) | $11.55 | $92.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $14.68 | $117.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $18.27 | $146.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dalton
Based on $11.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $11.55/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dalton, GA can expect to earn approximately $24,028 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $13,862. With a cost-of-living index of 89.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dalton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dalton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $462.08 | $2,002 | $24,028 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $277.25 | $1,201 | $14,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $184.83 | $801 | $9,611 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Dalton) | $11.55 |
| 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 Dalton, GA earn a median of $24,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.86% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 13.70% below the Georgia state average of $27,830.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $11.55/hr = $14,417/year (purchasing power: $16,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $24,028/year (purchasing power: $26,744).
CoL index: 89.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$11.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$11.55/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-45.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Dalton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $11.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $11.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $11.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Dalton grew -48.2% from $21.78/hr (2021) to $11.29/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $11.82/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 Dalton 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 Dalton
Part-time medical billing and coding specialists working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can expect to make around $13,520 annually based on the current hourly rate. This salary is considerably lower than what full-time counterparts earn, leaving many to seek supplemental work through per-diem or contract positions. For instance, per-diem medical billing and coding specialists in Dalton may bill between $25 to $42 per hour, creating enticing earning potential for those who can navigate the freelance model. Different employer types play a significant role in determining hourly pay; while hospital coding departments might offer consistent work, third-party coding companies often lead to competitive rates due to the focus on output. Some professionals prioritize hourly wages over secure employment, opting for higher pay despite the lack of benefits. For those looking to negotiate their compensation in Dalton, establishing a solid understanding of industry standards and emphasizing relevant certifications from recognized bodies such as AAPC and AHIMA can significantly impact earning potential in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Dalton, 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 Dalton. 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