Los Angeles vs Santa Ana: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $35,079 | $37,168▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.86 | $17.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,753 | $24,802▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,427 | $29,981▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,850▲ | $47,575 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,111▲ | $57,610 |
| Total Employed | 7,240▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Santa Ana are closely matched on overall medical billing and coding specialist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Ana is $2,089 (5.96%). Santa Ana's median is +22.47% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $35,358,Santa Ana spans $32,808. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Ana ($32,863 effective) pays 6.39% more than Los Angeles ($30,889 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,111)
- ✓Larger job market (7,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,168/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $32,863)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Los Angeles grew -29.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -54.1% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$48,810 (2021) → $34,284 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$79,090 (2024) → $36,325 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Ana as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Ana?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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