Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Downey, CA: $35,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Downey, CA earns a median $35,519/year (≈ $17.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $31,405 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Downey, California, is projected to be $35,519, reflecting a robust demand for skilled professionals in this field. This figure represents an attractive compensation level, especially in comparison to the national median of $30,349, marking a notable 17.04% advantage. The local salary range for this occupation is anticipated to span from $23,927 at the 10th percentile to $55,055 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the income diversity based on experience, credentials, and workplace specialty. Various factors contribute to this range, particularly the distinction between inpatient coding (CCS) and outpatient coding (CPC), with inpatient specialists likely earning higher salaries due to complexity and skill demands. Additionally, the local estimates are influenced by regional price parity, making the Downey market particularly competitive for aspiring medical billing and coding professionals.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,927 | $11.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,133 | $14.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,519 | $17.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,465 | $21.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,055 | $26.47 |
Median Salary Position
17.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,128 (2026 est.). At $35,519, the local median is 17.04% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Downey median: $35,519/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,064 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +17.04% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Downey, CA earn a median of $35,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.04% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.30% above the California state average of $35,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $35,519 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $31,405 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$31,673
2025 BLS Actual
$34,714
2026 Current Est.
$35,519
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Downey (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,026 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,582 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,343 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $31,673 (2021) to $34,714 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $36,343 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,670 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $23,927 – $30,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,133 – $35,519 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,519 – $45,465 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,465 – $55,055 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Downey
The job market for medical billing and coding specialists in Downey is relatively strong, with 22 professionals currently employed in this specialized area. However, the cost of living index in Downey is 113.1, meaning that housing and other expenses can eat into take-home pay, emphasizing the importance of negotiating salaries effectively. Employers that tend to offer the most competitive salaries include physician group practice coding offices, hospital inpatient coding departments, and payer/insurance company coding audit teams. Variability in earnings often relates to the coding specialty; inpatient CCS roles can command higher pay than outpatient CPC positions. Moreover, having multiple credentials—such as CPC, CCS, or CRC—can enhance earning potential. With remote work opportunities remaining prevalent, coding specialists can find additional flexibility and options for higher pay. To maximize compensation in the Downey market, it’s advised to continuously upgrade coding skills, particularly in the growing fields of risk adjustment and HCC coding, along with pursuing additional credentials to stand apart in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $34,714 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Downey metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downey 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