Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lakewood, CA: $34,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Lakewood, CA earns a median $34,188/year (≈ $16.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $30,228 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, the projected median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in 2026 stands at $34,188, representing a sharp increase compared to national averages. This salary range spans from $25,376 at the 10th percentile to $52,992 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market with opportunities depending on credentialing and specialty. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data reveal that specialists working in inpatient settings often earn more than those focusing on outpatient coding or risk adjustment, thus creating a clear pay gradient that reflects the specialization demand and local healthcare market nuances in Lakewood.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,376 | $12.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,550 | $13.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,188 | $16.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,395 | $20.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,992 | $25.48 |
Median Salary Position
12.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,616 (2026 est.). At $34,188, the local median is 12.65% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $34,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,065 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +12.65% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $34,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.65% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 2.50% below the California state average of $35,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,188 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $30,228 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,486
2025 BLS Actual
$33,413
2026 Current Est.
$34,188
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lakewood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,826 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,981 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,486 (2021) to $33,413 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $34,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,495 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $25,376 – $28,550 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,550 – $34,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,188 – $43,395 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,395 – $52,992 |
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 Lakewood
The job market for medical billing and coding specialists in Lakewood is relatively stable, with only 19 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index of 113.1 suggests that workers face challenges related to take-home purchasing power, as it is notably higher than the national average. Among various employers, coding roles in hospital inpatient departments and physician group practices typically offer the most competitive salaries. This disparity in pay can be attributed to several factors, including specialty areas—where inpatient CCS coding generally commands higher wages than outpatient CPC or risk adjustment CRC coding—and the value of credential stacking. Additional factors such as audit and compliance specialties, productivity bonuses, and the choice between remote work and on-site roles also contribute to salary variations. For those navigating the Lakewood market, focusing on acquiring multiple credentials such as CPC, CCS, and CRC, along with seeking positions in higher-paying environments, can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $33,413 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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