Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Irvine, CA: $36,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Irvine, CA earns a median $36,440/year (≈ $17.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $32,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the projected median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in 2026 is $36,440, which is notably higher than the national median of $30,349 for the same year. The salary range in this region reflects a diversity of pay, with earnings falling between $25,889 at the 10th percentile and $56,483 at the 90th percentile. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 considering regional price parities. The shift towards remote work has broadened the geographic compensation landscape, allowing specialists to take advantage of local pay scales while being eligible for opportunities beyond their immediate area. This dynamic suggests that the job market for medical billing and coding specialists in Irvine is competitive and increasingly favorable for those equipped with the right skills and credentials.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,889 | $12.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,685 | $14.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,644 | $22.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,483 | $27.16 |
Median Salary Position
20.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,594 (2026 est.). At $36,440, the local median is 20.07% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Irvine median: $36,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,072 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +20.07% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Irvine, CA earn a median of $36,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.07% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 3.90% above the California state average of $35,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $36,440 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $32,219 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$32,494
2025 BLS Actual
$35,614
2026 Current Est.
$36,440
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Irvine (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,541 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,614 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,286 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $32,494 (2021) to $35,614 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,792 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $25,889 – $30,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,685 – $36,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,440 – $46,644 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,644 – $56,483 |
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 Irvine
Currently, Irvine employs 72 medical billing and coding specialists, offering a variety of opportunities across healthcare settings. The area’s cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, which means that while salaries may be higher than in other regions, the expenses associated with living in Irvine can also rise accordingly. Salaries at physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments tend to be the most lucrative, while remote coding opportunities with third-party companies can offer flexibility and competitive pay. Factors like specialty focus—such as inpatient coding versus risk adjustment—along with credential stacking (CPC, CCS, and CRC certifications) can lead to significant disparities in compensation. To maximize earning potential in Irvine's evolving market, coders should focus on acquiring in-demand subspecialties, maintaining continuous education in ICD-10-CM/CPT updates, and considering remote positions that can leverage their expertise regardless of local limitations.
More salary data for Irvine, 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 $35,614 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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