Medical Billing Salary

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Metairie, LA: $13.43 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Metairie, LA runs $13.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $27,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Metairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $14.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $16,766 per year.

$27,952
Median Annual Salary
$13.43/hr
Hourly Rate
$18,962
Entry Level (P10)
$43,325
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Rate in Metairie, LA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Metairie, LA medical billing and coding specialist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Metairie, Louisiana, the hourly pay for medical billing and coding specialists stands at a median of $13.43, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $14.59. This difference highlights the local economic conditions, as the cost of living index in Metairie is below the national average at 90.3. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the income can be substantial, especially when considering the flexibility that remote positions often offer. From entry-level coders earning around $9.12 to experienced specialists making as much as $20.83 per hour, the financial landscape varies widely in this profession. Employment settings range from remote home offices to hospital HIM departments and third-party coding companies, reflecting the diverse opportunities available to medical billing and coding specialists in the area.

About the Metairie Market

Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$9.12$72.93
Lower Range (P25)$11.71$93.64
Median (P50)$13.43$107.48
Upper Range (P75)$17.04$136.29
Top Earners (P90)$20.83$166.66

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Metairie

Based on $13.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a medical billing and coding specialist in Metairie earning $13.43/hr would make approximately $16,122 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $27,944 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$16,122Reduced (32 hr/wk)$21,495Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$27,944

At $13.43/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Metairie, LA can expect to earn approximately $27,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $16,122. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Metairie.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$107.48
per 8hr shift
$537.38
per week
$2,329
per month
$27,944
per year

Schedule Comparison in Metairie

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$537.38$2,329$27,944
Part-Time (24 hrs)$322.43$1,397$16,766
Per Diem (16 hrs)$214.95$931$11,178

Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Metairie)$13.43
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing medical billing and coding specialist median salary in Metairie ($27,952) with Louisiana average ($25,691) and the US national median ($30,349).Metairie$27,952Louisiana Avg$25,691+8.80%US National$30,349-7.90%

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Metairie, LA earn a median of $27,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.90% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 8.80% above the Louisiana state average of $25,691.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $13.43/hr = $16,766/year (purchasing power: $18,567).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $27,944/year (purchasing power: $30,946).

CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2021 BLS Actual

$11.98/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$13.13/hr

2026 Current Est.

$13.43/hr

2021–2027 Growth

+14.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Metairie (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie. Baseline $11.98/hr in 2025, projected to $13.75/hr by 2027.$11$13$15$18$2020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$11.98$12.11$12.52$18.48$13.13$13.43$13.75
YearHourly RateStatus
2021$11.98/hrActual
2022$12.11/hrActual
2023$12.52/hrActual
2024$18.48/hrActual
2025$13.13/hrActual
2026(current)$13.43/hrEstimated
2027$13.75/hrProjected

Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie grew 9.6% from $11.98/hr (2021) to $13.13/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $13.75/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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Metairie metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Metairie

Part-time earning potential can yield different annual take-home amounts depending on the number of hours worked. For instance, a medical billing and coding specialist working 24 hours a week may earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts over the year, limiting financial growth unless they transition to a full-time schedule. For those exploring per diem roles, the pay can be considerably higher; agency coders typically bill between $25 and $42 per hour, with CCS inpatient coders commanding $35 to $55 per hour. Additionally, in Metairie, coding professionals might find varied compensation based on their employer. Those in physician group practices may earn less than workers in hospital inpatient departments or third-party coding companies, where work-from-home arrangements are now prevalent. Many specialists weigh lower hourly wages against valuable benefits like health insurance; this trade-off often shapes their job choices. For negotiating hourly pay, being mindful of the industry standards and having relevant credentials from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA can significantly influence outcomes, especially in a city like Metairie with evolving demands in medical coding practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie is $13.43/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). Rates range from $9.12 at entry level (10th percentile) to $20.83 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 7.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Metairie?

A part-time medical billing and coding specialist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Metairie earns approximately $1,397/month, or $16,766/year at the median hourly rate of $13.43. Many medical billing and coding specialists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie paid hourly or salary?

The majority of medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie are paid hourly at a median rate of $13.43/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $27,944/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Metairie?

A full-time medical billing and coding specialist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Metairie earns approximately $27,944/year at the median hourly rate of $13.43. This is 7.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $43,331/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Metairie?

Part-time and per diem medical billing and coding specialists in Metairie sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $20.83/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Louisiana

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Metairie. 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 Metairie is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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