Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $13.39 (2026)

In Suffolk, Virginia, the hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist is projected to be $13.39 in 2026, which is lower than the national hourly median of $14.59. This hourly rate reflects an entry-level to mid-career position within the field. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this translates to income that can help support living expenses while allowing flexibility. With Suffolk's cost of living index at 103.2, job seekers may find entry-level positions starting around $10.13 and top earners approaching $20.75 per hour, making the field of medical billing and coding viable for both full-time and per-diem arrangements. As remote work has become standard after the pandemic, many specialists find opportunities in home office settings or within physician group practices, enabling them to enter the workforce with adjusted expectations about work-life balance.

On the other hand, the earning potential varies significantly for part-time and per-diem roles compared to standard full-time positions. A medical billing and coding specialist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn less annually than their full-time colleagues, depending on their hourly arrangement. Per-diem medical billing and coding specialists in Suffolk often command higher rates, with pay rates between $25 and $42 per hour. Specialty coders, such as Certified Coding Specialists (CCS) focusing on inpatient coding, can earn as much as $55 hourly, leaning heavily towards 1099 contractor agreements. The type of employer also influences pay; coding offices in physician practices and third-party coding firms may pay lower hourly rates but offer benefits like health insurance and paid time off. For those looking to negotiate pay, emphasizing specialized training such as ICD-10-CM or risk adjustment experience can be a vital strategy in securing a better wage, particularly as the industry continues to evolve and demand specialist knowledge.