Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Carson, CA: $34,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Carson, CA earns a median $34,380/year (≈ $16.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $30,398 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, medical billing and coding specialists can expect a median annual salary of $34,380 in 2026, which reflects a competitive edge over the national median of $30,349, representing a 13.28% increase. The salary range for this profession spans from $25,822 at the 10th percentile to $53,288 at the 90th percentile, providing opportunities for varied earnings based on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments highlight the potential for growth in this sector. Credential stacking, such as obtaining CPC, CCS, and CRC certifications, can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential and place specialists in higher-paying roles. With ongoing shifts in the industry and an increased demand for skilled coders, Carson presents a promising job market for professionals in this field.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,822 | $12.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,690 | $14.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,380 | $16.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,555 | $20.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,288 | $25.62 |
Median Salary Position
13.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,466 (2026 est.). At $34,380, the local median is 13.28% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Carson median: $34,380/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,081 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +13.28% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Carson, CA earn a median of $34,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.28% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 2.00% below the California state average of $35,081.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,380 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $30,398 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,657
2025 BLS Actual
$33,600
2026 Current Est.
$34,380
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Carson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,998 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,177 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,657 (2021) to $33,600 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,177 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,520 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $25,822 – $29,690 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,690 – $34,380 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,380 – $42,555 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,555 – $53,288 |
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 Carson
Examining the local job market reveals that Carson currently employs about 21 medical billing and coding specialists, underscoring the demand for expertise in the area. The city's cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, living expenses also reflect this difference, impacting overall purchasing power. Among the highest-paying positions, employers such as hospital inpatient coding departments and third-party coding companies often reward advanced credentials and productivity, particularly in inpatient CCS or risk adjustment CRC roles. The sharp wage spread in Carson can be attributed to several factors, including specialty, credential stacking, audit and compliance credentials, and the choice between remote or in-office work. For those looking to maximize their pay, obtaining multiple certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA, staying current with ICD-10-CM updates, and targeting roles that leverage remote work can significantly enhance career prospects and financial outcomes in the medical billing and coding field.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
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 $33,600 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Carson 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
Salary data for Carson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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