Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Arecibo, PR: $16,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Arecibo, PR earns a median $16,812/year (≈ $8.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $22,416 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For those pursuing a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $16,812. This reflects a significant disparity when compared to the national median of $30,349, highlighting a local earnings landscape where salaries range from $14,065 at the lower end to $27,892 at the higher end. Credential stacking can further influence earning potential; obtaining certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) will have a positive impact on lifetime earnings. The ongoing evolution of healthcare documentation and coding presents opportunities for specialists to enhance their expertise, thus contributing to stronger compensation.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14,065 | $6.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14,510 | $6.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $16,812 | $8.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21,317 | $10.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27,892 | $13.41 |
Median Salary Position
44.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arecibo
In Arecibo, PR, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,827 (2026 est.). At $16,812, the local median is 44.6% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arecibo: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Arecibo Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Arecibo median: $16,812/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arecibo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $30,349 | -44.60% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Arecibo, PR earn a median of $16,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 44.60% lower than the national median of $30,349.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,930
2025 BLS Actual
$16,431
2026 Current Est.
$16,812
2021–2027 Growth
+-21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Arecibo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $16,431 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17,202 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arecibo metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -25.1% from $21,930 (2021) to $16,431 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $17,202 by 2027 — a total increase of $-4,728 (-21.56%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arecibo 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) | $14,065 – $14,510 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $14,510 – $16,812 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $16,812 – $21,317 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $21,317 – $27,892 |
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 Arecibo
The job market in Arecibo currently supports about 50 medical billing and coding specialists, creating a modestly competitive environment. Local living costs play a crucial role in determining real earnings power; while salaries are lower compared to national figures, the affordability of everyday expenses in Arecibo allows for a different perspective on earnings. Among local employers, physician group practice coding offices and hospital inpatient coding departments tend to offer the highest salaries, followed by roles in third-party coding companies, which often provide remote work flexibility. The disparity between low and high pay in the area is influenced by factors such as specialty focus, credential accumulation, and productivity-based compensation structures. Additionally, pursuing roles in risk adjustment or compliance can yield premium pay opportunities. For those looking to maximize their pay, prioritizing credential enhancements and keeping abreast of industry changes is essential, especially as remote coding continues to dominate the field.
More salary data for Arecibo, PR:
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 $16,431 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Arecibo 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