Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Waltham, MA: $52,267 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Waltham, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $52,267/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Waltham's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $48,172 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$52,267
Top 10% Earn
$25.13/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$43,163
75th Percentile
$52,267
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Senior Salary in Waltham, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Waltham, MA medical billing and coding specialist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Waltham, Massachusetts, those who have honed their skills as experienced medical billing and coding specialists can find themselves among the top earners in their field, with projected salaries reaching up to $52,267 in 2026. This lucrative potential is exemplified by the P90 bracket, which significantly surpasses the national top earner level of $30,349, highlighting a robust advantage for senior professionals in this region. The $18,546 gap between the median salary of $33,721 and this top-tier compensation reflects the experience premium that highly skilled coders command, particularly those with extensive knowledge in specialized coding areas. To achieve such levels of income, it typically requires not only years of experience but also a commitment to continuous education and certification, which further enhances one's marketability in a competitive landscape.

About the Waltham Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham. The median salary is $33,721, compared to the national median of $30,349.$22.5K$30.6K$38.7K$46.8K$54.9K$24.9K10th Pctl$28.8K25th Pctl$33.7KMedian$43.2K75th Pctl$52.3K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Waltham earn between $43,163 and $52,267 per year (2026 est.). This $27,319 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waltham median of $33,721 sits 11.11% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Waltham metro area.

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelWalthamNational
Median (P50)$33,721$30,349
75th Percentile$43,163$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$52,267$48,159

In Waltham, 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 Waltham

1

Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts

MA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $33,721 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waltham employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Waltham command premium compensation, often reaching the $43,163–$52,267 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waltham metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Massachusetts 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 Waltham

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$24,948 – $33,721

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$33,721 – $43,163

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$43,163+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Waltham ranks #28 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $52,267).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Waltham ($52,267) is 7.05% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($48,827).

2021 BLS Actual

$46,707

2025 BLS Actual

$51,082

2026 Current Est.

$52,267

2021–2027 Growth

+14.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Waltham (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham. Baseline $46,707 in 2025, projected to $53,480 by 2027.$36.4K$54.4K$72.4K$90.5K$108.5K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$46.7K$47.5K$49.0K$98.2K$51.1K$52.3K$53.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$46,707Actual
2022$47,500Actual
2023$48,980Actual
2024$98,189Actual
2025$51,082Actual
2026(current)$52,267Estimated
2027$53,480Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Waltham saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $46,707 in 2021 to $51,082 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 $53,480 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Waltham

Compensation for senior medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham varies widely based on several factors, including specialization and employer type. For instance, those working in inpatient coding with a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential tend to earn higher wages compared to their counterparts in outpatient coding or risk adjustment roles, as the demands and complexities of surgical and anesthesia coding require advanced expertise. The landscape is diverse, with top compensation often found in hospital settings, physician group practices, and specialized coding companies, where remote work arrangements have become increasingly prevalent post-2020. Career advancement opportunities also abound; individuals can rise to positions such as coding supervisor or HIM director, especially with additional credentials from recognized organizations like AAPC and AHIMA. Stacking certifications—such as a CPC combined with CCS or CRC—can further boost one's earning potential in the dynamic healthcare coding market of MA. Productivity bonuses and access to remote working options add another layer of non-salary benefits that are attractive to seasoned professionals in this growing field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Waltham in 2026?

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham (90th percentile) make $52,267/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $18,546 more than the area median of $33,721 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical billing and coding specialists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Waltham?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Waltham is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Waltham?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $33,721, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Waltham?

The 90th percentile in Waltham is $52,267. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Waltham?

In Waltham, the gap between entry level ($24,948) and top earners ($52,267) is $27,319, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 $51,082 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Waltham 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 Waltham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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