Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $35,455 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $35,455/year (≈ $17.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $31,348 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual pay for medical billing and coding specialists in Santa Monica is projected at $35,455, representing a notable increase over national figures. This salary is computed against a broader salary range that extends from $25,513 at the 10th percentile to $54,955 at the 90th percentile, providing an interesting gradient reflective of various specialties in the field. The regional figures, aligned with state-level data and adjusted for the local cost of living, show that those focusing on inpatient coding, such as CCS specialists, can command higher wages compared to outpatients or risk adjustment coding. This elevated compensation framework places Santa Monica's market well above the national median salary of $30,349, making it an attractive option for qualified professionals looking to advance their careers in a competitive landscape.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,513 | $12.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,809 | $14.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,455 | $17.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,455 | $21.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,955 | $26.42 |
Median Salary Position
16.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,442 (2026 est.). At $35,455, the local median is 16.82% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $35,455/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,069 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +16.82% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $35,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.82% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.10% above the California state average of $35,069.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $35,455 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $31,348 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$31,615
2025 BLS Actual
$34,651
2026 Current Est.
$35,455
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Santa Monica (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,455 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,277 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $31,615 (2021) to $34,651 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $36,277 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,662 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $25,513 – $29,809 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,809 – $35,455 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,455 – $44,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,455 – $54,955 |
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 Santa Monica
Examining the local job market reveals that Santa Monica currently employs 20 medical billing and coding specialists, indicating a specialized yet stable demand. However, the cost of living is higher in this area, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which can impact real take-home pay. Employers that tend to offer the highest compensation include hospital inpatient departments and physician group practice coding offices, with third-party coding firms also adapting to the growing trend of remote work options which aids flexibility. The disparity in salaries is influenced by factors such as specialty focus, credential stacking (CPC, CCS, CRC), and the inclusion of productivity bonuses for high volume coding. For those wishing to maximize their earning potential in Santa Monica, pursuing advanced credentials, specializing in high-demand areas like risk adjustment, and continuously updating knowledge through AAPC or AHIMA resources can significantly enhance career prospects and financial outcomes.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 $34,651 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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