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In sunny California, the folks who work in the medical billing and coding profession are super important. They’re the ones making sure healthcare and insurance stay on track and keep California’s thriving healthcare and insurance industries solvent and ethically motivated. There’s a lot of variety in their job description, including how much you stand to make per year. Knowing the median salary is key to figuring out if this path is right for you and planning your required education.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in CA
In California, about 20,000 individuals work as medical records specialists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This ranks California at the top for medical billing and coding jobs in the nation. Workers in this field earn a median hourly wage of $26, placing California as the third highest paying state for this profession. The expected job growth over the next ten years is 8.5%.
Major employers in this sector in California are hospitals, healthcare centers and specialized medical billing companies. Including:
- Atlas Medical Management:
- San Clemente, CA. AMM is a full-service medical billing and collections company that specializes in serving the healthcare community.
- Bristol Healthcare Services:
- Orange County, CA. Unlike some other companies that employ medical billers, Bristol also tackles the coding side of healthcare records services.
- Med Billing Strategies
- San Diego, CA. Specializes in providing medical billing, coding and practice management services for single and multi-specialty medical groups.
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center:
- Los Angeles, CA. Ranked the number one best hospital in the state for 11 adult specialties by U.S. News & World Report.
- UCLA Medical Center:
- Los Angeles, CA. Voted the number one best hospital in the state for 14 adult specialties and nine pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report.
- Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital
- Stanford, CA. Also ranked the number one best hospital in the state for 11 adult specialties by U.S. News & World Report.
Medical billing and coding salary California statistics
In the world of medical records specialists, which counts medical billers and coders among its ranks, you’re looking at a middle-of-the-road salary of around $48,780 annually. Now, what you pocket can swing up or down based on things like your job location, years in the business, the certifications you’ve snagged and how much medical billing and coding schooling you’ve done.
Median medical biller and coder salary in CA
In California, medical billers and coders earn a median yearly income of $53,740, which is significantly above the national average. Keep in mind, though, that this figure can differ depending on factors like your experience, education level, the industry you work in, and where in the state you’re located.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$38,530
25%$43,210
50%$53,740Median
75%$75,350
90%$99,800
Median Hourly Wage$26
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment20,000
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $75,250 | $41,680 | $84,800 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $73,840 | $45,620 | $135,640 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $73,830 | $39,410 | $105,670 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $72,170 | $46,440 | $116,440 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $64,410 | $40,200 | $105,400 |
| Napa, CA | $62,250 | $43,160 | $76,810 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $58,140 | $42,180 | $87,710 |
| Madera, CA | $55,810 | $38,670 | $67,740 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $53,490 | $38,010 | $101,810 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $52,600 | $38,380 | $91,090 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for medical billing and coding in California
The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in California typically spans from $38,530 to $99,800 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Employment by CA metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in healthcare and you live in a city like Los Angeles that has several high profile hospitals or healthcare industries, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers for the top 10 cities in the U.S. As you can see, California holds the number one spot for highest level of employment of medical billers and coders in the U.S.
CA salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032, California is a major hub for medical billers and coders. California’s number one ranking in employment and its median pay, ranking second highest in the country, make it an appealing place to consider setting down roots. The state also boasts a substantial forecast for growth. However these attractive numbers can’t compensate for California’s high cost of living index—the state ranks 49th highest cost of living out of 50.
Factors affecting medical billing and coding salaries in California
Several factors can influence the salary potential in the medical billing and coding field in the state of California. These factors may include:
- Experience:
- The number of years of experience you have in the healthcare or medical billing and coding industry can significantly impact your earning potential. Entry-level professionals may start at a lower salary, while those with extensive experience and expertise can command higher salaries.
- Education and certifications:
- The level of education you have achieved and any relevant certifications can contribute to your salary. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications may result in higher earning potential.
- Industry and company size:
- The industry you work in and the size of the company can affect salary ranges. Certain industries may offer higher compensation, and larger companies often have more resources to provide competitive salaries.
- Geographic location and cost of living:
- Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location within California. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses. It’s essential to consider the cost of living when assessing salary offers and opportunities.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical biller and coder in California?
There are several ways to discern whether or not your pay is equitable, and you should consider the following resources if you are concerned about your salary:
- Do your research. Research employment and job sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale to see what the salary averages are in your city and/or state. Use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find median pay for cities, states and nationally.
- Be observant in your workplace. Do you see other people receiving special privileges, such as bonuses or additional benefits? Would it seem possible that they may also receive more for doing the same job? Consider length of employment and equity of duties as well.
- Be transparent in the right way. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and another staff member doing the same job, ask your employer about it directly. It’s always best to be transparent, but you should try and utilize the correct channels. Most employers frown upon employees discussing their pay with each other.
There are federal laws that protect workers in regard to pay. Medical billers and coders in California are protected by the state’s California Equal Pay Act, and the California Fair Pay Act, which promote some of the strongest equal pay legislation in the nation.
California education and training
In California, the educational needs of those in medical billing and coding can change depending on the job and who you’re working for. Usually, you might go through steps like:
- Finishing up a program that gives you a certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding, or something similar like informatics or health information management.
- Getting ready to sit for the CPC certification exam.
While it’s not a must to have certification to work as a medical biller or coder, these days, many employers prefer that you have some kind of certification.
Also, keep in mind that continually learning and training in this field can really boost your skills and help you move up in the world of medical billing and coding. There are even online medical billing and coding programs you may consider adding into your busy schedule.
Cost of living considerations for CA
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of California, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, health care and other expenses can vary across cities or regions within the state. Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with local expenses and make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
California has the second highest cost of living in the nation, but that said there are affordable regions within the state. California.com lists these 11 cities as places you can live comfortably within the state:
- Clearlake, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Eureka, CA
- Stockton, CA
- Clovis, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Chico, CA
- Fontana, CA
- Visalia, CA
- San Jacinto, CA
Of note is the UC Davis Medical Center, which is in Sacramento, ranked number seven on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals in California survey, and several others were located in proximity to some of the most affordable cities.
California professional associations and networking
Getting involved with California-centric professional associations and networking groups in the medical billing and coding field, as well as other health information sectors, can be a great move. These groups offer a chance to link up with local communities, snag helpful resources, and keep tabs on what’s new and exciting in your industry right in California.
Here are a couple of notable organizations you might want to check out:
- California Health Information Association (CHIA): This group is all about being top-notch when it comes to handling personal health info needed for top-quality healthcare services for everyone.
- CalHIPSO: This non-profit believes technology should make life easier, not harder. They champion Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), and advocate for changes in payment structures in the healthcare sector.
This guide on medical billing and coding salaries in California is designed to give you a thorough overview of what to expect pay-wise in this healthcare field. Consider it your starting block for making smart career choices, negotiating your salary, and setting achievable goals for your education and professional journey.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 7, 2023