Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $13.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $13.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $27,371 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $13.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $16,422 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pittsburgh, the median hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist is projected to be $13.16 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $14.59. This hourly rate has significant implications for both part-time and per-diem workers in the field. For those working three days a week in settings such as remote home offices, hospital HIM departments, and coding cubicles, the hourly pay translates into varying earnings depending on their schedule and role. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates an hourly range between $11.04 for entry-level positions and $20.89 for the top earners, illustrating a diverse earning potential within the industry.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.04 | $88.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $12.67 | $101.34 |
| Median (P50) | $13.16 | $105.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.11 | $136.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.89 | $167.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $13.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $13.16/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, PA can expect to earn approximately $27,369 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $15,790. With a cost-of-living index of 94.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $526.33 | $2,281 | $27,369 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $315.80 | $1,368 | $16,422 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $210.53 | $912 | $10,948 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Pittsburgh) | $13.16 |
| 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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $27,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 3.20% below the Pennsylvania state average of $28,275.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $13.16/hr = $16,422/year (purchasing power: $17,346).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $27,369/year (purchasing power: $28,910).
CoL index: 94.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$12.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$13.16/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-28.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pittsburgh (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $12.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Pittsburgh grew -31.6% from $18.79/hr (2021) to $12.86/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $13.46/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
For those considering part-time roles in Pittsburgh, taking on a medical billing and coding specialist position for 24 hours per week can yield an annual income substantially lower than a full-time position. While full-time specialists benefit from consistent hours, part-time workers may face a lower income but greater flexibility. Per-diem or agency work can be more lucrative, with per diem medical billing and coding specialists typically billing between $25 and $42 per hour; advanced specialists like CCS coders can earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Moreover, hourly rates fluctuate based on employer types, such as coding offices, inpatient coding departments, or third-party companies. Some professionals may choose lower hourly rates for the added security of health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiation plays a key role in this context, with specialists encouraged to clearly articulate their expertise and look for opportunities that align with their earning expectations in the competitive Pittsburgh job market.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, PA:
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 Pittsburgh. 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