Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in University Place, WA: $52,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in University Place, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $52,617/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back University Place's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $48,992 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
In 2026, the salary landscape for senior medical billing and coding specialists in University Place, Washington presents robust earning potential. Top earners at the 90th percentile can expect to take home $52,617 annually, significantly higher than the median salary of $33,947. This disparity highlights the substantial experience premium available to seasoned professionals who possess over seven years in the field. Achieving top-tier compensation in this market involves advanced coding specialization, such as inpatient coding with CCS or outpatient coding with CPC, along with a commitment to staying updated with ICD-10-CM and coding audits. As University Place continues to evolve, these experienced specialists can distance themselves from the median and tap into the higher salary brackets if they cultivate skills that are in demand as the healthcare landscape shifts towards risk adjustment coding and a more outpatient-focused model.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in University Place earn between $41,548 and $52,617 per year (2026 est.). This $27,953 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The University Place median of $33,947 sits 11.86% above the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | University Place | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $33,947 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,548 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $52,617 | $48,159 |
In University Place, 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 University Place
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $33,947 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by University Place employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in University Place command premium compensation, often reaching the $41,548–$52,617 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the University Place 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 University Place 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 Washington 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 University Place
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
AdvancedUniversity Place ranks #23 of 50 Washington cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $52,617).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in University Place ($52,617) is 6.13% below the Washington average P90 ($56,052).
2021 BLS Actual
$47,020
2025 BLS Actual
$51,424
2026 Current Est.
$52,617
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in University Place (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,838 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in University Place saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $47,020 in 2021 to $51,424 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 $53,838 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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 University Place
Distinct factors contribute to the ways senior medical billing and coding specialists are compensated across various employer types in University Place. Premium pay is often linked to specializations like surgical coding or risk adjustment (CRC) within the context of physician group practices, hospital inpatient departments, and consulting firms. For example, coding teams at third-party firms may offer competitive remote work options that cater to the growing trend of flexible work arrangements post-2020. Career advancement paths can lead to positions such as coding supervisor, compliance auditor, or HIM director, further enhancing income potential. Holding advanced credentials, such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS, is increasingly crucial, as credential stacking enhances job security and pay. Non-salary benefits, such as performance bonuses and specialty differentials, also influence the total compensation package, making continued professional development and skill diversification essential for those aiming for the highest levels of senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in WA.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in University Place in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in University Place?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in University Place?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in University Place?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in University Place?
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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 $51,424 for medical billing and coding specialists in the University Place 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 University Place 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