Medical Coding Salary: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

Medical billers and coders are in high demand. Medical coding salary reflects their importance in the healthcare industry. Medical billers and coders can earn between $40,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certification.

This article explores the salary potential for medical billers and coders, including national averages, industry-specific salaries, and factors that can impact earning potential.

What is Medical Coding Salary?

The average salary for a medical coder varies by location, employer, and level of experience. In the United States, the average annual salary for a medical coder is around $54,000. However, salaries can range from $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the specific job and location.

Entry-level medical coders, typically those with a certificate or associate’s degree, can expect to earn around $30,000 to $40,000 per year. Experienced medical coders with a bachelor’s degree or specialized certifications can earn upwards of $60,000 to $80,000 per year.

Additionally, salaries can vary depending on the industry, with medical coders working in hospitals and healthcare systems tend to earn more than those working in physician practices or outpatient facilities.

It’s also worth noting that salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. Medical coders working in urban areas tend to earn more than those working in rural areas.

Certifications, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), can also impact salary. Medical coders with specialized certifications tend to earn more than those without.

Medical Coding Salary by Experience Level

According to AAPC’s 2023 salary survey, medical billers and coders can expect significant salary increases as they gain more experience. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries by experience level:

• 0-1 year of experience: $40,000 – $50,000 per year

• 1-2 years of experience: $45,000 – $60,000 per year

• 2-5 years of experience: $55,000 – $70,000 per year

• 5-10 years of experience: $65,000 – $85,000 per year

• 10+ years of experience: $75,000 – $100,000 per year

For example, a medical coder with 5 years of experience working in a hospital setting may earn an average salary of $65,000 per year, while a medical biller with 10 years of experience working in a physician practice may earn an average salary of $80,000 per year.

Medical Coding Salary by Certification

Certifications can significantly impact salaries for medical billers and coders. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries for specific certifications, based on AAPC and AHIMA salary surveys:

• CPC (Certified Professional Coder): $54,000 – $74,000 per year

• CCS (Certified Coding Specialist): $62,000 – $86,000 per year

• CMC (Certified Medical Coder): $58,000 – $80,000 per year

• CRC (Certified Risk Coder): $60,000 – $84,000 per year

• CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder): $65,000 – $90,000 per year

For instance, a medical coder with a CPC certification may earn an average salary of $60,000 per year. In contrast, a medical biller with a CCS certification may earn an average salary of $70,000 per year.

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make an Hour

We’ll use the average annual salaries we’ve discussed so far to calculate the hourly wage for medical billers and coders. Assuming a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks per year, here are the hourly wages:

• Entry-level (0-2 years of experience): $17.31 – $21.63 per hour.

• Mid-level (2-5 years of experience): $23.08 – $30.77 per hour.

• Senior-level (5-10 years of experience): $28.85 – $40.38 per hour

For certified professionals:

• CPC: $26.04 – $35.58 per hour

• CCS: $29.81 – $41.35 per hour

• CMC: $27.88 – $38.46 per hour

• CRC: $28.85 – $40.38 per hour

• CIC: $31.25 – $43.27 per hour

How Much Do Medical Billing and Coding Make

Medical billers and coders can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician practices, outpatient coding companies, and insurance companies. Here’s a breakdown of the earning potential for medical billers and coders in different work settings:

• Hospitals: $55,000 – $85,000 per year.

• Physician practices: $45,000 – $70,000 per year.

• Outpatient coding companies: $50,000 – $80,000 per year.

• Insurance companies: $60,000 – $90,000 per year.

• Consulting: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.

For example, a medical coder working in a hospital setting may earn an average salary of $60,000 per year, while a medical biller working in a physician practice may earn an average salary of $55,000 per year.

Non-Monetary Benefits

In addition to salary, medical billers and coders may receive other benefits, such as:

• Health insurance.

• Retirement plans (e.g., 401(k), pension).

• Paid time off (e.g., vacation, sick leave).

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

• Flexible work arrangements (e.g., remote work, freelancing, part-time).

What Medical Coders Get Paid the Most

According to the AAPC 2024 salary survey, the top-paying medical coding certifications are:

• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC): $65,000 – $90,000 per year

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): $62,000 – $86,000 per year

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC): $54,000 – $74,000 per year

These certifications require specialized training and expertise and are in high demand by healthcare providers.

What is the Most A Medical Biller Can Make?

According to the AAPC’s 2024 salary survey, the top 10 percent of medical billers can earn up to $100,000 per year. However, this requires significant experience, specialized training, and expertise in areas such as coding, billing, and practice management.

How Much Do Medical and Coding Specialists Make in the US?

According to the AAPC 2024 salary survey, the average salary for medical and coding specialists in the US is:

• $54,000 – $74,000 per year for certified medical coders

• $62,000 – $86,000 per year for certified coding specialists

• $65,000 – $90,000 per year for certified inpatient coders

Keep in mind that these are just averages, and actual salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and employer.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary NC

The average salary for medical billers and coders in North Carolina is $48,000 – $68,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $52,000 to $72,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary FL

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Florida is $45,000 – $65,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Miami and Tampa tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Texas

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Texas is $50,000 – $70,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Houston and Dallas tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $55,000 to $75,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Florida

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Florida is $45,000 – $65,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Orlando and Jacksonville tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $48,000 to $68,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Ohio

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Ohio is $42,000 – $62,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Columbus and Cleveland tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $45,000 to $65,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary TN

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Tennessee is $40,000 – $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Nashville and Memphis tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $43,000 to $63,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary California

The average salary for medical billers and coders in California is $55,000 – $75,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Georgia

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Georgia is $45,000 – $65,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Atlanta and Augusta tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $48,000 to $68,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Alabama

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Alabama is $38,000 – $58,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Birmingham and Montgomery tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary NYC

The average salary for medical billers and coders in New York City is $55,000 – $75,000 per year, depending on experience and location. The high cost of living in NYC means that salaries tend to be higher to compensate.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Michigan

The average salary for medical billers and coders in Michigan is $42,000 – $62,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $45,000 to $65,000 per year.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary SC

The average salary for medical billers and coders in South Carolina is $40,000 – $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Cities like Columbia and Charleston tend to offer higher salaries, with averages ranging from $43,000 to $63,000 per year.

Note: These salary ranges are estimates and may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State

Here is a breakdown of average salaries for medical billers and coders by state:

• Alabama: $38,000 – $58,000 per year

• California: $55,000 – $75,000 per year

• Florida: $45,000 – $65,000 per year

• Georgia: $45,000 – $65,000 per year

• Michigan: $42,000 – $62,000 per year

• New York: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

• North Carolina: $48,000 – $68,000 per year

• Ohio: $42,000 – $62,000 per year

• South Carolina: $40,000 – $60,000 per year

• Tennessee: $40,000 – $60,000 per year

• Texas: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

How Much Does Medical Billing and Coding Pay per Hour in Texas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hourly wage for medical billers and coders in Texas is:

• $25.45 per hour for medical records and health information technicians

• $30.62 per hour for medical and health services managers

Keep in mind that these are just averages, and actual hourly wages can vary depending on location, experience, and employer.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Work from Home

The average salary for medical billers and coders working from home is $40,000 – $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Many companies offer remote work options, which can be a great opportunity for those who prefer to work from home.

Certified Medical Billing and Coding Salary

Certified medical billers and coders can earn higher salaries than non-certified professionals. According to the AAPC’s 2024 salary survey, certified medical coders can earn an average salary of $54,000 – $74,000 per year.

Growth Prospects in Medical Coding and Billing

The demand for medical billers and coders will grow significantly in the coming years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical records and health information technicians, including medical billers and coders, is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is driven by several factors, including:

• An aging population that requires more medical services.

• An increased focus on healthcare data analysis and quality improvement.

• The need for accurate and efficient claims processing.

• The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital technologies.

With this growth comes opportunities for advancement and professional development. Experienced medical billers and coders can move into leadership roles, start their consulting businesses, or pursue specialized certifications.

Tips for Advancement in Medical Coding and Billing

To advance your career as a medical biller or coder, consider the following tips:

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments.

• Pursue specialized certifications or training.

• Network with other professionals in the field.

• Consider pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.

• Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

By following these tips, you can position yourself for success and advancement in the medical billing and coding field.

Conclusion

Medical billing and coding can be a rewarding and lucrative career, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certification. By understanding the salary potential, growth prospects, and opportunities for advancement, you can make informed decisions about your career path.

Remember to stay up-to-date with industry trends, pursue specialized certifications or training, and develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills to position yourself for success in this field.