Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Hilo, HI: $30,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $30,886/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $25,889 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 2026, Hilo presents an intriguing opportunity for veteran medical billing and coding specialists, with top earners potentially commanding salaries around $30,886. This figure significantly exceeds the median salary of $19,927, showcasing a pronounced experience premium for those at the forefront of their careers. The gap between this median and the upper echelon highlights the financial benefits of specialized skills and experience. Those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of pay in this market often invest in advanced certifications, continuously upgrade their coding knowledge, and build a robust professional network. Such expertise not only positions them favorably within local healthcare organizations but also increases their competitiveness when compared with national benchmarks, where the average annual salary for similar roles hovers around $30,349.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $25,225 and $30,886 per year (2026 est.). This $15,840 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $19,927 sits 34.34% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $19,927 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $25,225 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $30,886 | $48,159 |
In Hilo, 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 Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $19,927 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $25,225–$30,886 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hawaii 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 Hilo
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
AdvancedHilo ranks #9 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $30,886).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Hilo ($30,886) is 36.07% below the Hawaii average P90 ($48,311).
2021 BLS Actual
$27,601
2025 BLS Actual
$30,186
2026 Current Est.
$30,886
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Hilo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,601 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,944 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,509 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,603 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $27,601 in 2021 to $30,186 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 $31,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
Compensation for experienced professionals in Hilo can vary significantly depending on specialization and employer type. Certain niches such as inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment coding (CRC) tend to command higher wages due to their complexity and demand in healthcare settings. Senior roles also diversify across various employers, including hospital inpatient departments and third-party coding companies, which often offer remote work options. Leadership roles such as coding supervisor or HIM director represent viable advancement paths, complemented by the pursuit of advanced credentials that can lead to more lucrative positions. In Hawaii, stacked certifications like CPC and CCS can dramatically boost one’s pay, reflecting both the specialty and proficiency in coding intricacies. Additionally, factors like productivity bonuses and the flexibility of remote work further influence overall compensation, making it a dynamic field for senior medical billing and coding specialists in HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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 $30,186 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Hilo 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 Hilo 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