Medical Billing and Coding Salary Guide
The median average medical billing and coding salary is $48,780 per year or $23.45 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but many things impact how much you can earn. Medical billers and coders in Washington D.C., for example, earn $70,900 per year, which is one of the highest cities in the nation.
According to the AAPC, certified coders earn 17.7% more than non-certified coders. In this guide, we'll explore medical billing and coding salary factors, including the average salary in each state, the highest-paying cities, and the salary differences between medical coders and billers depending on where they work.
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Medical Billing and Coding Salaries
Salaries for medical coders and medical billing specialists vary based on several factors, including specialization, certification, location, type of workplace, and experience.
With those variations taken into account, the BLS found that the average median salary in 2023 for medical records and health information specialists was $48,780 per year or $23.45 per hour.
Certification Increases Your Salary Potential
According to the AAPC, non-certified coders earn an average salary of $55,389 per year, while coders with three AAPC certifications earn an average of $71,361 per year.
Benefits
Most health information technicians also receive benefits packages that may include insurance, paid time off, sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and more.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State & City
Each state in the US has its own economy, cost of living, and average medical billing and coding salary. Location is one of the most significant variables in determining how much you'll earn as a medical biller and coder.
The chart below shows the average salary of medical billers and coders in each state per the AAPC:
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State
Data Extracted from AAPC 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report
Highest Paying States for Medical Billers and Coders
According to the BLS, the states where medical billers and coders can earn the most money are:
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Highest Paying Cities for Medical Billers and Coders
In addition to state salaries, it's also important to consider how salaries vary by city. According to the BLS, the five metropolitan areas with the highest annual mean salaries for medical coding and billing are listed below.
| Metropolitan Area | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $ 39.98 | $ 83,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $ 36.53 | $ 75,980 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $ 35.06 | $ 72,920 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $ 34.11 | $ 70,950 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $ 34.02 | $ 70,760 |
Medical Billing and Medical Coding Salaries by Workplace
Compensation for medical billers and coders is also determined by the type of care facilities they work in. For example, employment at large group practices often comes with greater reimbursement than positions in small physician's offices.
While large health systems are likely to pay higher salaries and offer more generous benefits packages, salary is also affected by whether a health information specialist chooses to work within their employer’s physical location or prefers to telecommute. The latter is becoming increasingly popular as telehealth technology improves.
Below are the AAPC’s latest salary survey results, detailing the average annual salary for common medical billing and coding workplaces.
- Health System - $59,129
- Large Group Practice (50+ physicians) - $56,548
- Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient - $56,477
- Medium Group Practice (11-49 physicians) - $50,896
- Solo Practice/Small Group Practice (1-10 physicians) - $50,709
How to Increase Your Salary as a Medical Coder or Biller
Changing location and facility are not the only ways to increase salary as a medical coder or biller. These healthcare professionals can also receive higher pay by:
- Gaining experience
- Furthering your education
- Certifications and credentials
Gain Experience
Payscale reports the average medical biller and coder salary as $50,147 or $21.26 per hour. But, annual wages will vary by years of experience:
- Less than 1 year of experience: $40,589 annual income
- 1 to 4 years of experience: $45,903 annual income
- 5 to 9 years of experience: $53,591 annual income
- 10 to 19 years of experience: $55,872 annual income
- 20 years of experience: $58,019 annual income
One of the many advantages of this field is that it’s quick to enter. Medical coders and billers can gain experience while pursuing further education and certifications in specialty areas.
Further Your Education
According to the AAPC, a college education—whether an associate degree or some college-level classes—will add approximately 2.7% to your annual salary.
Medical billers and coders with bachelor's degrees won't necessarily earn more than their associate-educated peers. However, graduate education can significantly increase your earning potential - up to 10% more than coders with no post-secondary education.
Add Certifications and Credentials
Pursuing advanced credentialing is even more important than higher education. Professionals who pursue this level of validation of their knowledge provide their employers with confidence in their expertise and proficiency. There are several paid and free online medical billing and coding certification programs.
The AAPC reports that the average coder's salary boost from increased credentials is about 3%. However, coding specialists who have earned the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credential reportedly earn over 7.67% salary increases.
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Getting Started in Medical Billing & Coding
The quickest way to enter this career field is by attending a 4-week online course for medical coding and billing. The next shortest program is still quite speedy at just 16 weeks.
In order to start a career in medical billing and coding, these are the basic steps you'll need to take:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Gain experience
- Pursue continuing education
- Pursue certifications
Getting a Degree
Those interested in a career as a medical coder or medical biller can get started in the profession within a year. In-person and online programs are available on an ongoing basis and can often be completed full-time or part-time. This allows the flexibility to continue working while taking courses.
To enter the medical coding field, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Entry-level medical coder training is available through community colleges and standalone certification programs.
Getting Certified
There are significant benefits to earning certifications, including expanded career opportunities and higher salaries. After a few years of experience and exploring specialties within coding, it’s a good idea to pursue additional coding certification, such as taking the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, to become even more valuable and pave the way for advanced coding jobs.
After completing coursework and earning certifications, the next step is to prepare a resume. Identify your strengths, experience, and education and apply to positions that suit your goals.
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Medical Billing & Coding Resources
For more information on getting into medical billing and coding, check out our other helpful articles and guides!
- How to Become a Medical Biller or Coder
- This is Why I Started a Medical Billing and Coding Business
- Medical Coding and Billing Careers
- Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools
Is it Worth it to Become a Medical Biller or Coder?
Many people wonder if becoming a medical biller or coder is worth the cost of education and if the career will provide a good quality of life. As with any profession, it's always a great idea to talk to people in the profession before making a leap into the career.
The top medical billing and coding programs in the country cost between $5,000 and $21,000. Since the median annual salary for medical billers and coders is $47,180 (BLS), most can recoup their education expenses within the first year of work.
Additionally, while salaries vary nationwide, the AAPC reports that medical billing and coding professionals earn above their state’s median annual income in most cases. This may relieve people wondering if they can make enough money to live and support their families.
Still, you should research how much medical billers and coders earn in your state in city. In some cases, it may make sense to relocate to a higher-paying area.
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