Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lake Havasu City, AZ: $24,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Lake Havasu City, AZ earns a median $24,670/year (≈ $11.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lake Havasu City's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.1), that paycheck buys what $26,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.8% below the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $24,670. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $30,349, reflecting the area's unique economic landscape. Salaries for professionals in this field range from $21,727 at the 10th percentile to $38,005 at the 90th percentile, providing opportunities for those with varied experience levels and additional qualifications. Credential stacking, such as obtaining multiple certifications like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential. As the demand for skilled coders continues to grow, particularly in specialized areas like risk adjustment coding, those pursuing further education and certification are likely to find more lucrative positions in Lake Havasu City's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,727 | $10.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22,420 | $10.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $24,670 | $11.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32,735 | $15.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38,005 | $18.27 |
Median Salary Position
18.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Havasu City
In Lake Havasu City, AZ, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,278 (2026 est.). At $24,670, the local median is 18.71% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Havasu City: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Lake Havasu City Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Lake Havasu City median: $24,670/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Havasu City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $27,051 | -8.80% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -18.71% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lake Havasu City, AZ earn a median of $24,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.71% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 8.80% below the Arizona state average of $27,051.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Havasu City has a cost of living 5.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Havasu City, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 94.098 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $24,670 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $26,217 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.27% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$34,540
2025 BLS Actual
$24,111
2026 Current Est.
$24,670
2021–2027 Growth
+-26.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lake Havasu City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,243 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Havasu City metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -30.2% from $34,540 (2021) to $24,111 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $25,243 by 2027 — a total increase of $-9,297 (-26.92%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Havasu City 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $21,727 – $22,420 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $22,420 – $24,670 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $24,670 – $32,735 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $32,735 – $38,005 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Lake Havasu City
The employment landscape in Lake Havasu City consists of around 80 medical billing and coding specialists, indicating a moderate local job market. Reflecting a lower cost of living index of 94.098, the purchasing power for these salaries is relatively favorable compared to many other regions. Among local employers, physician group practice coding offices and third-party coding companies often offer higher compensation, especially for remote work options that have become prevalent since the shift in coding practices post-2020. The variation in pay is influenced by the complexity of the coding specialty; for instance, inpatient coding (CCS) typically garners higher salaries than outpatient coding (CPC). Professionals who prioritize ongoing education and pursue certifications may command higher pay due to their expertise in compliance and audit standards. Maximizing pay in this market involves strategic credential advancement, considering remote opportunities, and focusing on high-demand specialties like risk adjustment coding.
More salary data for Lake Havasu City, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $24,111 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Lake Havasu City metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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