Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Los Alamos, NM: $23,194 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Los Alamos, NM — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $23,194/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Los Alamos's price premium (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $24,570 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$23,194
Top 10% Earn
$11.15/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$19,102
75th Percentile
$23,194
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Top-tier compensation for experienced medical billing and coding specialists in Los Alamos, New Mexico, showcases impressive potential, with salaries reaching up to $23,194 in 2026 for the 90th percentile. This figure reflects a significant earnings gap compared to the median annual salary of $15,315 in the area, emphasizing the substantial rewards awaiting those with extensive experience in the field. Such advanced roles typically require a deep understanding of various coding systems, proficiency in ICD-10-CM, and possibly leadership skills honed through years of practical experience. To achieve top medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Los Alamos, professionals must continually refine their skills, often specializing in critical areas that command higher pay, paving their way toward the upper echelons of their profession.

About the Los Alamos Market

Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Alamos

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Los Alamos. The median salary is $15,315, compared to the national median of $30,349.$10.7K$16.0K$21.3K$26.6K$31.9K$11.9K10th Pctl$13.5K25th Pctl$15.3KMedian$19.1K75th Pctl$23.2K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Los Alamos earn between $19,102 and $23,194 per year (2026 est.). This $11,270 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Los Alamos median of $15,315 sits 49.54% below the US median.

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

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelLos AlamosNational
Median (P50)$15,315$30,349
75th Percentile$19,102$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$23,194$48,159

In Los Alamos, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 51.45% 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 Los Alamos

1

Advanced Certifications in New Mexico

NM medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $15,315 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Los Alamos employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Los Alamos command premium compensation, often reaching the $19,102–$23,194 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos 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 New Mexico 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 Los Alamos

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$11,924 – $15,315

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$15,315 – $19,102

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$19,102+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Los Alamos ranks #14 of 17 New Mexico cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $23,194).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Los Alamos ($23,194) is 47.88% below the New Mexico average P90 ($44,498).

2021 BLS Actual

$20,727

2025 BLS Actual

$22,668

2026 Current Est.

$23,194

2021–2027 Growth

+14.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Los Alamos (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 Los Alamos. Baseline $20,727 in 2025, projected to $23,732 by 2027.$12.6K$26.8K$41.1K$55.4K$69.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$20.7K$21.1K$21.7K$61.5K$22.7K$23.2K$23.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$20,727Actual
2022$21,079Actual
2023$21,735Actual
2024$61,518Actual
2025$22,668Actual
2026(current)$23,194Estimated
2027$23,732Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Los Alamos saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $20,727 in 2021 to $22,668 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 $23,732 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos

In Los Alamos, the specialties commanding the highest premiums include inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment/HCC coding (CRC). These proficient roles often find themselves within varied employer types, with compensation differing significantly between physician group practices, hospital settings, and remote coding jobs for third-party companies. Furthermore, leadership opportunities can arise, allowing seasoned coders to transition into roles such as coding supervisor or HIM director, which often come with enhanced salaries. Pursuing advanced certifications like the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can also boost earnings potential, while possessing multiple credentials, such as CPC plus CCS and CRC, can position professionals for salary advantages in an increasingly competitive market. As the industry gradually moves toward remote work, a flexible work environment is becoming essential, contributing additional value to senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in NM.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Los Alamos (90th percentile) make $23,194/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $7,879 more than the area median of $15,315 — 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 Los Alamos?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Los Alamos include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $15,315, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

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

The 90th percentile in Los Alamos is $23,194. 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 Los Alamos?

In Los Alamos, the gap between entry level ($11,924) and top earners ($23,194) is $11,270, 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 New Mexico

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 $22,668 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos 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

Last verified: