Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Chico, CA: $34,118 (2026)

In Chico, approximately 120 medical billing and coding specialists are currently employed, reflecting a healthy job market in this profession. The cost of living index of 101.197 suggests that while expenses are slightly above the national average, the local pay for medical billing and coding specialists offers reasonable purchasing power. Employers that tend to pay the highest wages include physician group practices, hospital inpatient coding departments, and third-party coding companies that often provide remote work opportunities. The wide salary range can be attributed to various factors, including specialty focus—where inpatient coding through CCS typically commands higher salaries compared to outpatient coding with a CPC credential—as well as bonuses tied to productivity. For specialists in the area, an effective strategy to maximize pay entails obtaining multiple credentials and staying current with coding trends, especially in high-growth areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding.