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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Waltham | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWaltham 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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,189 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,480 | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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 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.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Waltham in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Waltham?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Waltham?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Waltham?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Waltham?
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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 $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).
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