Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Brea, CA: $51,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Brea, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,588/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Brea's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $45,613 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, experienced medical billing and coding specialists can command substantial annual salaries, particularly at the top of the pay scale. In 2026, top earners can expect to see salaries reaching up to $51,588, while the 75th percentile earns around $42,102. This figures highlight a significant gap between the median annual salary of $33,283 and the compensation that senior professionals can achieve. To reach these top-tier earnings, coders typically acquire extensive experience, specialized certifications (such as CCS or CPC), and refined skills in high-demand areas like inpatient and outpatient coding, all of which are critical in maximizing one’s earning potential in this competitive market.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Brea earn between $42,102 and $51,588 per year (2026 est.). This $26,501 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brea median of $33,283 sits 9.67% above the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Brea | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $33,283 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,102 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,588 | $48,159 |
In Brea, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Brea
Advanced Certifications in California
CA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $33,283 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brea employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Brea command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,102–$51,588 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brea metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Brea with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Brea
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrea ranks #147 of 158 California cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $51,588).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Brea ($51,588) is 13.84% below the California average P90 ($59,877).
2021 BLS Actual
$46,100
2025 BLS Actual
$50,418
2026 Current Est.
$51,588
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Brea (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,883 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,343 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,774 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,418 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,785 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Brea saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $46,100 in 2021 to $50,418 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $52,785 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Brea
For those in senior roles, several specializations stand out in terms of compensation within the Brea area. Inpatient coding, particularly with credentials like the CCS, and outpatient coding positions such as those requiring a CPC can command higher pay rates due to the complexity and expertise required. Employers vary significantly in what they pay; while hospital coding departments may offer robust salaries, third-party coding firms can provide flexibility with remote roles that are increasingly popular since 2020. Career advancement opportunities abound, with pathways to leadership roles like coding supervisor or HIM director that offer enhanced compensation. Achieving advanced certifications from organizations like AAPC and AHIMA, and embracing specialties in compliance or auditing, further elevates the salary potential. With the right mix of credentials and experience, senior medical billing and coding specialists in CA can significantly increase their overall earnings, especially when factoring in productivity bonuses and other non-salary compensation.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Brea in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Brea?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Brea?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Brea?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Brea?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $50,418 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Brea metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea 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