💵 Annual Salary (USA, 2025)
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum (10th %) | ~$36,000–$38,000/year |
| Median | ~$50,250–$56,000/year |
| Maximum (Top 10%) | Up to $80,000–$85,000+ (specialized roles) |
-
State variations: California averages $80,000; Mississippi around $56,000
-
Credential impact: Certified coders earn ~18% more than non-certified peers
-
Advanced roles: Auditors, consultants, or remote specialists can earn $90k–$158k+
👩💼 What They Do
Medical coders and billing specialists are the backbone of healthcare revenue cycles. They:
-
Analyze medical records (doctor notes, lab results, discharge summaries)
-
Assign standardized codes (ICD‑10, CPT, HCPCS) that capture diagnoses and procedures
-
Translate codes into insurance claims and submit them to payers
-
Ensure compliance with billing regulations and minimize denials or audits
Their accuracy directly affects provider reimbursement and helps maintain legal and operational compliance.
🎓 Education Required
-
Certificate program: ~9-12 months-common entry path
-
Associate degree: 2 years, preferred by many employers
-
Bachelor’s/Master’s: Opens doors to auditor or management roles with $66k-$81k average salaries
📜 Certification
-
AAPC credentials: CPC (Certified Professional Coder), COC, CIC; certifications boost salary significantly
-
Non-certified: ~$61k; certified: ~$67k; 2+ credentials: ~$80k+
-
-
AHIMA credentials: CCA (associate level), CCS, CCS-P for hospitals and physician-based coding
-
AMBA offers CMRS for billing professionals
-
Continuing education required to maintain credentials and stay current
🏛️ Licensing Requirements
-
No state licensing required-but many employers expect certification
-
Credential expectations vary by employer and type of facility (e.g., hospital vs. outpatient)
📈 Career Outlook
-
Job growth around 8-9% through 2032-a steady pace with ~15,000 openings annually
-
Career advancement paths include specialty coding, auditing, compliance, remote contracting, or management roles
-
Salary boosters: Advanced credentials, specialization, geographic location, and remote/freelance setups
✅ Final Takeaway
Medical billing and coding offers a stable, entry-level-friendly career in healthcare information management. With focused training and credentials, earn between $38k and $85k-potentially reaching six-figure income in specialist or senior roles. As the digital healthcare market grows, skilled coders are in high demand.