Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Glendale, AZ: $44,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Glendale, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $44,029/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Glendale's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $44,699 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median annual salary of $28,406 in 2026, experienced medical billing and coding specialists in Glendale, Arizona have the potential to earn significantly more as they advance in their careers. Top earners, classified within the 90th percentile, can command an impressive $44,029 annually. This demonstrates a substantial experience premium, especially when juxtaposed against the local median, illustrating the value placed on advanced skills and expertise. To attain these high salary figures in Glendale, professionals must cultivate specialized knowledge, continuously upgrade their credentials, and demonstrate proficiency in high-demand coding practices, including surgical and risk adjustment coding.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Glendale earn between $36,359 and $44,029 per year (2026 est.). This $24,703 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Glendale median of $28,406 sits 6.4% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Glendale | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $28,406 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,359 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $44,029 | $48,159 |
In Glendale, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Glendale
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $28,406 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Glendale employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Glendale command premium compensation, often reaching the $36,359–$44,029 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Glendale metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Glendale with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Arizona who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Glendale
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGlendale ranks #4 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $44,029).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Glendale ($44,029) is 0.37% above the Arizona average P90 ($43,868).
2021 BLS Actual
$39,346
2025 BLS Actual
$43,031
2026 Current Est.
$44,029
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Glendale (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,014 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,373 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,051 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Glendale saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $39,346 in 2021 to $43,031 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $45,051 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Glendale
When exploring the landscape of senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in AZ, several specialized areas can influence compensation. For instance, professionals working in inpatient coding (CCS) or those handling risk adjustment and HCC coding (CRC) often see higher salaries than their counterparts in outpatient coding (CPC). Furthermore, different employer types provide varied compensation structures; those in hospital inpatient departments or physician group practices may earn more compared to roles in consulting firms or third-party coding companies. Leadership pathways, such as a coding supervisor or HIM director, not only elevate job responsibilities but also offer clear avenues for salary growth. Additionally, possessing credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA can dramatically impact earning potential. Non-salary benefits, such as remote work opportunities and productivity bonuses, are also becoming increasingly attractive to senior coders, making the profession both lucrative and flexible in Glendale's evolving job market.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Glendale in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Glendale?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Glendale?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Glendale?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Glendale?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $43,031 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Glendale metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glendale 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