Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Seattle, WA: $59,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Seattle, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $59,678/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Seattle's price premium (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,700 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Salaries for senior medical billing and coding specialists in Seattle are robust, reflecting high demand and skills developed over years of experience. With a projected median annual salary of $38,889 in 2026, those at the top end of the scale can earn as much as $59,678, which positions Seattle significantly above the national average for this occupation. This gap highlights the premium that experienced professionals bring to the table. Navigating through to such top-tier pay typically requires specialized knowledge in areas like surgical coding and risk adjustment coding, along with advanced certifications such as the CCS or CPC.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Seattle earn between $48,562 and $59,678 per year (2026 est.). This $31,400 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Seattle median of $38,889 sits 28.14% above the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Seattle | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,889 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,562 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $59,678 | $48,159 |
In Seattle, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 53.46% 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 Seattle
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $38,889 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Seattle employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Seattle command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,562–$59,678 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Seattle metro area, which is a large MBS employment market, 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 Seattle with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Washington 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 Seattle
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
AdvancedSeattle ranks #3 of 50 Washington cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $59,678).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Seattle ($59,678) is 6.47% above the Washington average P90 ($56,052).
2021 BLS Actual
$83,530
2025 BLS Actual
$58,325
2026 Current Est.
$59,678
2021–2027 Growth
+-26.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Seattle (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $83,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,063 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Seattle saw their compensation grow -30.2% from $83,530 in 2021 to $58,325 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 $61,063 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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 Seattle
Advanced credentials can unlock greater compensation opportunities, especially in a competitive market like Seattle, where unique specialties command higher fees. For instance, professionals engaged in inpatient coding or surgical coding often see significant variances in pay, especially within different types of employers, whether that be hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or remote coding companies. Advancement is certainly possible; roles like coding auditor or HIM director are achievable for those with extensive experience and additional certifications. Non-salary compensation benefits further enhance the financial picture; factors such as productivity bonuses and specialty skill premiums can significantly impact overall earnings. Overall, transitioning into these high-paying roles can stimulate substantial growth in a seasoned medical biller and coder's salary in Seattle.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Seattle in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Seattle?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Seattle?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Seattle?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Seattle?
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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 $58,325 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Seattle 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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