Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $28,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $28,159/year (≈ $13.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $27,255 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Phoenix, Arizona, sits at $28,159, which is notably lower than the national median of $30,349. This figure illustrates the local job market's specific dynamics, where salaries range from $21,679 at the bottom percentile to $45,073 at the top. Derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, this data highlights the importance of credential stacking in enhancing earning potential. Professionals who attain certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) can significantly influence lifetime earnings. The employment landscape in Phoenix suggests growth opportunities in various settings, including physician group practices and outpatient facilities, making it essential for coders to be prepared for diverse hiring demands.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,679 | $10.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23,910 | $11.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $28,159 | $13.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,777 | $17.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,073 | $21.67 |
Median Salary Position
7.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,394 (2026 est.). At $28,159, the local median is 7.22% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phoenix Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $28,159/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $27,050 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | -7.22% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $28,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.22% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 4.10% above the Arizona state average of $27,050.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $28,159 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $27,255 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,550
2025 BLS Actual
$27,521
2026 Current Est.
$28,159
2021–2027 Growth
+-25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Phoenix (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,813 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -28.6% from $38,550 (2021) to $27,521 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $28,813 by 2027 — a total increase of $-9,737 (-25.26%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $21,679 – $23,910 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $23,910 – $28,159 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $28,159 – $36,777 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,777 – $45,073 |
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 Phoenix
Analyzing the medical billing and coding specialist pay in Phoenix AZ, the local job market comprises approximately 2,480 professionals, reflecting a healthy demand for skilled coders. With a cost of living index of 103.316, earnings may yield lower disposable income relative to national averages. Employers such as third-party coding companies, hospital coding departments, and ambulatory surgery centers tend to offer more competitive wages, especially for those with in-demand specialties like inpatient coding or risk adjustment. The variance between lower and higher salaries is driven by factors including the complexity of coding specialties, credentialing, productivity incentives, and whether the position is remote or in-office. Coders looking to maximize pay in Phoenix should consider obtaining multiple certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and maintaining flexibility regarding remote work opportunities to capitalize on the shifting market dynamics.
More salary data for Phoenix, 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 $27,521 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Phoenix 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