Medical Billing Salary

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $17.25 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Boston, MA runs $17.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,529 per year.

$35,881
Median Annual Salary
$17.25/hr
Hourly Rate
$27,026
Entry Level (P10)
$48,818
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

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

In Boston, Massachusetts, the medical billing and coding specialist hourly pay is projected to be $17.25 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $14.59. This substantial rate reflects not only the demand for skilled professionals in the area but also the increasing prevalence of remote work in the field, with many specialists operating from home offices. Entry-level positions begin around $12.99, rising to $23.47 for top earners within the industry. This hourly compensation allows for flexible work arrangements, making it attractive for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem roles in various settings, including hospitals, physician group practices, and third-party coding companies. Ultimately, the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics underscores the favorable conditions for medical billing and coding specialists working in Boston, an environment where pay is elevated compared to national standards.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$12.99$103.96
Lower Range (P25)$14.03$112.22
Median (P50)$17.25$138.01
Upper Range (P75)$21.54$172.31
Top Earners (P90)$23.47$187.78

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston

Based on $17.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a medical billing and coding specialist in Boston earning $17.25/hr would make approximately $20,701 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $35,882 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$20,701Reduced (32 hr/wk)$27,602Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$35,882

At $17.25/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $35,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,701. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$138.01
per 8hr shift
$690.05
per week
$2,990
per month
$35,882
per year

Schedule Comparison in Boston

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$690.05$2,990$35,882
Part-Time (24 hrs)$414.03$1,794$21,529
Per Diem (16 hrs)$276.02$1,196$14,353

Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Boston)$17.25
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 Boston ($35,881) with Massachusetts average ($34,667) and the US national median ($30,349).Boston$35,881Massachusetts Avg$34,667+3.50%US National$30,349+18.23%

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Boston, MA earn a median of $35,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 3.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $34,667.

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

Working 24h/week at $17.25/hr = $21,529/year (purchasing power: $19,886).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,882/year (purchasing power: $33,143).

CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).

2021 BLS Actual

$28.47/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$16.86/hr

2026 Current Est.

$17.25/hr

2021–2027 Growth

+-38.0%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Boston (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 Boston. Baseline $28.47/hr in 2025, projected to $17.65/hr by 2027.$15$19$23$27$3120212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$28.47$25.26$24.68$27.66$16.86$17.25$17.65
YearHourly RateStatus
2021$28.47/hrActual
2022$25.26/hrActual
2023$24.68/hrActual
2024$27.66/hrActual
2025$16.86/hrActual
2026(current)$17.25/hrEstimated
2027$17.65/hrProjected

Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Boston grew -40.8% from $28.47/hr (2021) to $16.86/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.65/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 Boston 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 Boston

Evaluating the earning potential for a part-time medical billing and coding specialist reveals an interesting contrast to full-time income. Those working approximately 24 hours a week might bring home around $26,060 annually, a figure that, while modest, offers flexibility and work-life balance. In comparison, per diem medical billing and coding specialists in Boston often charge between $25 and $42 per hour, with CCS inpatient coders earning from $35 to $55 per hour, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available through agency or contract work. Furthermore, hourly pay can vary significantly based on employer type; for instance, positions within physician practice coding offices and hospital departments may offer different compensation structures than those in insurance companies or consulting firms. While some specialists may opt for lower hourly pay for the stability of health benefits, others might pursue higher rates in less traditional roles. To maximize earning potential, it's important for workers to understand local market conditions and negotiate effectively, being mindful of current trends in medical coding specialties, such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, that dominate the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Boston is $17.25/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). Rates range from $12.99 at entry level (10th percentile) to $23.47 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 18.2% above 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 Boston?

A part-time medical billing and coding specialist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Boston earns approximately $1,794/month, or $21,529/year at the median hourly rate of $17.25. 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 Boston paid hourly or salary?

The majority of medical billing and coding specialists in Boston are paid hourly at a median rate of $17.25/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $35,882/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 Boston?

A full-time medical billing and coding specialist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Boston earns approximately $35,882/year at the median hourly rate of $17.25. This is 18.2% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $48,822/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 Boston?

Part-time and per diem medical billing and coding specialists in Boston sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $23.47/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 Massachusetts

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 Boston. 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

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