Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $16.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in New Bedford, MA runs $16.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,911 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,942 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for medical billing and coding specialists stands at $16.78, which is notably higher than the national median of $14.59. This competitive hourly rate is beneficial for both full-time and part-time workers, allowing those in the field to earn a decent wage even on a part-time schedule of three days a week. The hourly compensation varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $12.55 and experienced coders earning around $26.02 per hour. These rates take into account the evolving landscape of medical billing and coding, with many professionals now working remotely from home offices, hospitals, or third-party coding companies, which have become standard post-2020.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.55 | $100.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.50 | $115.99 |
| Median (P50) | $16.78 | $134.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.14 | $169.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.02 | $208.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $16.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.78/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $34,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,137. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $671.22 | $2,909 | $34,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $402.73 | $1,745 | $20,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $268.49 | $1,163 | $13,961 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (New Bedford) | $16.78 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $34,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.03% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $34,668.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.78/hr = $20,942/year (purchasing power: $19,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,903/year (purchasing power: $32,169).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$28.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.78/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-39.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in New Bedford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in New Bedford grew -42.0% from $28.27/hr (2021) to $16.40/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.17/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Examining the earning potential for part-time medical billing and coding specialists reveals significant differences compared to full-time employment. For someone working 24 hours a week, their earnings can range from around $25,000 to $30,000 annually based on workload and employer. Per diem positions provide an opportunity to increase pay, as these specialists often charge between $25 and $42 per hour, with more experienced coders in inpatient settings earning approximately $35 to $55 an hour. In New Bedford, various employer types showcase different hourly rates, with physician practices typically offering less than insurance companies and consulting firms. This creates a balancing act for specialists who must weigh the benefits of steady income and health insurance against higher pay rates that often come without benefits. Those negotiating their hourly rates should consider their specific expertise, including any certifications from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA, which can strengthen their position in discussions with employers.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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