Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Stockton, CA: $37,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Stockton, CA earns a median $37,358/year (≈ $17.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Stockton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.1), that paycheck buys what $35,549 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Stockton, California, medical billing and coding specialists can expect a median annual salary of $37,358 in 2026, reflecting the increasing demand for well-trained coders. This salary is competitive, exceeding the national median by 23.09%. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at about $26,830 and the highest earners making up to $57,459. These figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, indicate potential for growth within the field. The job market in Stockton is promising for those pursuing certification pathways, such as obtaining the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) credentials, each of which can enhance earning potential over time.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,830 | $12.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,854 | $13.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,358 | $17.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,192 | $22.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,459 | $27.63 |
Median Salary Position
23.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockton
In Stockton, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,629 (2026 est.). At $37,358, the local median is 23.09% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stockton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stockton Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Stockton median: $37,358/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stockton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,078 | +6.50% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +23.09% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Stockton, CA earn a median of $37,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.09% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 6.50% above the California state average of $35,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stockton has a cost of living 5.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stockton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 105.089 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $37,358 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $35,549 — a 4.84% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$60,780
2025 BLS Actual
$36,511
2026 Current Est.
$37,358
2021–2027 Growth
+-37.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Stockton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,511 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,225 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stockton metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -39.9% from $60,780 (2021) to $36,511 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $-22,555 (-37.11%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockton 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) | $26,830 – $28,854 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,854 – $37,358 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,358 – $47,192 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,192 – $57,459 |
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 Stockton
The local job market for medical billing and coding specialists is supported by approximately 280 professionals currently employed in Stockton, indicating a steady demand for skilled workers. However, the cost of living in the area, with an index of 105.089, suggests that potential earnings must be carefully evaluated against living expenses. Higher salaries are often found in specialized settings, including hospital inpatient coding departments and third-party coding companies that are increasingly offering remote work options. The variation in compensation reflects factors such as specialty focus—where inpatient coding typically pays more than outpatient roles—credential stacking, and an emphasis on audit and compliance skills. For those looking to maximize their medical billing and coding specialist pay in Stockton, pursuing multiple certifications, keeping up with continuous education in ICD-10-CM and CPT updates, and seeking remote opportunities can significantly enhance take-home income.
More salary data for Stockton, 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 $36,511 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Stockton 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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