Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Crystal Lake, IL: $28,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Crystal Lake, IL earns a median $28,237/year (≈ $13.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Crystal Lake's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $29,080 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Crystal Lake, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $28,237. This figure places the local medical billing and coding specialist salary in Crystal Lake below the national median of $30,349, highlighting a compensation landscape that is approximately 6.96% lower than the national level. The salary range for these professionals varies widely, from $21,481 at the tenth percentile to $43,767 at the ninetieth. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, reflecting the economic conditions unique to the Crystal Lake area. As remote work standards have become increasingly common, job seekers should consider the flexibility of remote positions that contribute to a broader national labor market.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,481 | $10.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24,477 | $11.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $28,237 | $13.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35,818 | $17.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,767 | $21.04 |
Median Salary Position
6.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Crystal Lake
In Crystal Lake, IL, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,286 (2026 est.). At $28,237, the local median is 6.96% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Crystal Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Crystal Lake Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Crystal Lake median: $28,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Crystal Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $29,661 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -6.96% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $28,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $29,661.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Crystal Lake has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Crystal Lake, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $28,237 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $29,080 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$25,179
2025 BLS Actual
$27,597
2026 Current Est.
$28,237
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Crystal Lake (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,179 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,892 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Crystal Lake metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $25,179 (2021) to $27,597 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $28,892 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,713 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Crystal Lake 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) | $21,481 – $24,477 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $24,477 – $28,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $28,237 – $35,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $35,818 – $43,767 |
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 Crystal Lake
The job market in Crystal Lake currently employs nine medical billing and coding specialists, indicating a relatively small sector that may present limited opportunities. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that take-home purchasing power will be affected, making it essential for professionals to maximize their salary potential. Among local employers, large physician group practice coding offices and hospital inpatient coding departments may offer better pay compared to third-party coding companies or ambulatory surgery centers, especially in light of specialty demands. Those with advanced credentials, such as a CCS or certifications in risk adjustment, can command higher salaries, as employers often value versatility and expertise in audit compliance and productivity metrics. For professionals in Crystal Lake, focusing on furthering their qualifications through organizations like AAPC or AHIMA, while leveraging the shift towards remote coding roles, can be effective strategies to enhance their professional standing and salary prospects.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
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 $27,597 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake 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