Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $13.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $13.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $27,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $14.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $16,626 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Wake Forest, NC, the median hourly pay is projected to be $13.32 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $14.59, reflecting the local economic conditions and the cost of living index of 93.6, which is below the national average. The hourly wages vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $10.13, while the top 10% can command as much as $20.65. This flexibility in pay can be beneficial for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week or in per-diem roles, commonly found in settings like remote home offices, hospital HIM departments, and coding companies. With a clear structure for career advancement, those in Wake Forest can enhance their earning potential as they gain experience in coding methodologies like ICD-10-CM and CPT.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $10.13 | $81.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $11.31 | $90.45 |
| Median (P50) | $13.32 | $106.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.06 | $136.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.65 | $165.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $13.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $13.32/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $27,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $15,986. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $532.88 | $2,309 | $27,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $319.73 | $1,385 | $16,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $213.15 | $924 | $11,084 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Wake Forest) | $13.32 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $27,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.70% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $28,104.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $13.32/hr = $16,626/year (purchasing power: $17,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $27,710/year (purchasing power: $29,605).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$11.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$13.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$13.32/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Wake Forest (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $12.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $13.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Wake Forest grew 9.6% from $11.88/hr (2021) to $13.02/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $13.63/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Examining the working environment and potential earning scenarios provides valuable insights into this profession. A medical billing and coding specialist working part-time at 24 hours per week could expect annual earnings substantially lower than those of full-time counterparts, translating to a significant lifestyle consideration. Those opting for per-diem roles often report higher hourly pay, typically billing between $25 to $42, while specialized inpatient coders can earn $35 to $55 per hour. This pay scale varies across different employer types in Wake Forest, with opportunities in physician practices, hospital departments, and third-party coders all offering unique compensation packages. While some specialists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly wages even without these perks. Practicing effective negotiation tactics is crucial for hourly workers; understanding market rates and the demand for remote coding can bolster one's position when discussing pay with potential employers.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Wake Forest?
Are medical billing and coding specialists in Wake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Wake Forest?
Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Wake Forest?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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