Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $16.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in University Place, WA runs $16.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $33,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $15.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, the typical hourly wage for a medical billing and coding specialist stands at $16.32, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $14.59. This elevated hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in a city where many work remotely from home offices or in various healthcare settings such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. For those opting for part-time positions, typically working three days a week, this rate translates to a competitive income. Entry-level workers might earn around $11.86 per hour, while experienced coders can see hourly rates reaching as high as $25.29. The ability to perform the job in multiple environments, including third-party coding companies, expands opportunities for this profession in University Place.
About the University Place 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) | $11.86 | $94.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.73 | $109.85 |
| Median (P50) | $16.32 | $130.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.97 | $159.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.29 | $202.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $16.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.32/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $33,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,584. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $652.80 | $2,829 | $33,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $391.68 | $1,697 | $20,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $261.12 | $1,132 | $13,578 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (University Place) | $16.32 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $33,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.86% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $34,604.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.32/hr = $20,367/year (purchasing power: $18,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $33,946/year (purchasing power: $31,607).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$14.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.32/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in University Place (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in University Place grew 9.6% from $14.55/hr (2021) to $15.95/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.70/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 University Place 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 University Place
Examining the financial landscape reveals that a part-time medical billing and coding specialist, working 24 hours a week, could bring home an annual take-home income significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem medical billing and coding specialists, often billing at higher rates of $25 to $42 per hour, also face varied hourly compensation depending on their work setting. For instance, inpatient coders may earn between $35 and $55 per hour. This variance across employer types, including physician practices and consulting firms, reflects the diverse needs of the healthcare market in University Place, WA. While some specialists may be attracted to higher hourly rates without benefits, others might prefer stability and health insurance that comes with full-time roles at lower hourly pay. Negotiating in this field often involves emphasizing the value of ongoing training, particularly with the complexities of ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment coding, which continue to grow in importance. Being equipped with an AAPC or AHIMA credential can position professionals favorably in these discussions.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 University Place. 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 University Place 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