Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lake Elsinore, CA: $34,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Lake Elsinore, CA earns a median $34,972/year (≈ $16.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lake Elsinore's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $30,921 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Elsinore, California, the projected median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in 2026 is $34,972, which marks a 15.23% increase compared to the national median of $30,349. The salary range in this region is diverse, stretching from $24,423 at the 10th percentile to $54,206 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflect the unique employment environment of Lake Elsinore. While outpatient coding tends to generate lower pay, specialists in inpatient coding (CCS) or risk adjustment (CRC) typically command higher wages, illustrating the disparity within this field. Understanding these dynamics can position job seekers for opportunities that align with their skill sets and career aspirations in this evolving market.
About the Lake Elsinore Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,423 | $11.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,818 | $13.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,972 | $16.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,292 | $20.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,206 | $26.06 |
Median Salary Position
15.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Elsinore
In Lake Elsinore, CA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,783 (2026 est.). At $34,972, the local median is 15.23% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Elsinore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Elsinore Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Lake Elsinore median: $34,972/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Elsinore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $35,077 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +15.23% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $34,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.30% below the California state average of $35,077.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Elsinore has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Elsinore, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,972 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $30,921 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$31,185
2025 BLS Actual
$34,179
2026 Current Est.
$34,972
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lake Elsinore (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,417 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,179 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,783 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Elsinore metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $31,185 (2021) to $34,179 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,598 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Elsinore 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) | $24,423 – $28,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,818 – $34,972 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,972 – $43,292 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,292 – $54,206 |
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 Elsinore
The local job market employs 18 medical billing and coding specialists, indicating a niche yet stable demand for these professionals in Lake Elsinore. The cost of living index in the area sits at 113.1, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power compared to national averages. Employers such as inpatient coding departments, third-party coding companies, and payer audit teams generally offer the most competitive compensation packages. Factors like specialty focus—where inpatient coding positions offer a premium—and credential stacking, such as earning additional certifications like CPC or CRC, influence pay rates significantly. For individuals looking to maximize their earnings in Lake Elsinore, pursuing certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA, engaging in continuous education on ICD-10-CM updates, and considering roles that offer remote work flexibility can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, 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 $34,179 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore 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