Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $18.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Tacoma, WA runs $18.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $17.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,947 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the expected hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist stands at $18.39, significantly above the national median of $14.59 per hour. This difference reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this field, especially given the shift toward remote work that has become prevalent post-2020. For part-time workers, those putting in 24 hours a week can anticipate a substantial income that supports flexible work-life arrangements often found in home offices, hospital health information management departments, or physician group practices. The hourly wage ranges from $12.94 for entry-level roles to about $28.50 for top earners, allowing for a wide spectrum of earning potential depending on experience and work setting.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.94 | $103.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.35 | $122.78 |
| Median (P50) | $18.39 | $147.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.53 | $188.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.50 | $227.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $18.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.39/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $38,245 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,064. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $735.48 | $3,187 | $38,245 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $441.29 | $1,912 | $22,947 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.19 | $1,275 | $15,298 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Tacoma) | $18.39 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $38,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.00% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 10.50% above the Washington state average of $34,606.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.39/hr = $22,947/year (purchasing power: $21,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,245/year (purchasing power: $35,610).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$16.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.39/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Tacoma (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Tacoma grew 9.6% from $16.40/hr (2021) to $17.97/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.81/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
The opportunity for part-time medical billing and coding specialists in Tacoma can vary greatly from full-time positions, with three-day workweeks translating to approximately $25,000 annually compared to full-time equivalents. For those exploring per-diem or agency roles, the reality is even more lucrative; per diem medical billing and coding specialists might earn between $25 and $42 per hour, while specialized coders in inpatient settings can command $35 to $55 per hour as 1099 workers. It's noteworthy how hourly rates shift based on the employer type—physician practices, third-party coding companies, and hospitals all reflect varying pay scales that cater to different operational needs. Some specialists opt for lower hourly rates as compensation for offered health benefits in full-time positions, weighing the benefits against potentially higher pay without insurance when working per diem. For those negotiating their hourly rates, understanding local market trends and emphasizing relevant certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA can be advantageous.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Tacoma in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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