Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $34,661 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $34,661/year (≈ $16.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $30,646 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $34,661, medical billing and coding specialists in Hawthorne, CA, enjoy a competitive pay scale compared to the national median of $30,349—indicating a 14.21% increase. The salary range for this occupation in the area spans from $23,709 at the 10th percentile to $53,590 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the local economic conditions and emphasize the potential for growth within this career pathway. Credential stacking can significantly enhance earning potential; professionals starting with Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentials can achieve even higher incomes by further obtaining Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) designations.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,709 | $11.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,269 | $14.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,661 | $16.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,239 | $20.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,590 | $25.76 |
Median Salary Position
14.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,881 (2026 est.). At $34,661, the local median is 14.21% above the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hawthorne Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $34,661/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,082 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +14.21% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $34,661 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.21% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.20% below the California state average of $35,082.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,661 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $30,646 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,907
2025 BLS Actual
$33,875
2026 Current Est.
$34,661
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Hawthorne (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,252 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,661 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,465 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,907 (2021) to $33,875 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,465 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,558 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $23,709 – $30,269 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,269 – $34,661 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,661 – $43,239 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,239 – $53,590 |
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 Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, the job market for medical billing and coding specialists is growing steadily with only 13 individuals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are relatively strong, the higher living expenses may slightly impact take-home purchasing power. Employers that tend to offer the highest wages include hospital inpatient coding departments and specialty coding offices, where advanced coding skills and multiple credentials are particularly valued. The disparity in pay levels can often be traced to various factors such as specialty expertise, credential combinations, and potential bonuses tied to productivity. To maximize salary potential in Hawthorne, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding, and exploring remote work roles that allow for greater flexibility and possibly higher earnings.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in Hawthorne, CA in 2026?
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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 $33,875 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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