Medical Billing and Coding Salary Guide

8 Min Read Published September 12, 2024
Medical Billing & Coding Salary Guide | Nurse.org

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. 

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

State

Average Salary

Average Hourly Rate

Alabama

$49,481    

$23.79

Alaska

$60,531

$29.10

Arizona

$58,065

$27.92

Arkansas

$52,868

$25.42

California

$67,660

$32.53

Colorado

$60,615

$29.14

Connecticut

$62,659

$30.12

Delaware

$56,845

$27.33

District of Columbia

$65,000

$31.25

Florida

$58,020

$27.89

Georgia

$56,600

$27.21

Hawaii

$55,000

$26.44

Idaho

$56,190

$27.01

Illinois

$58,476

$28.11

Illinois

$46,286

$22.25

Indiana

$47,176

$22.68

Iowa

$55,463

$26.66

Kansas

$55,427

$26.65

Kentucky

$53,286

$25.62

Louisiana

$50,917

$24.48

Maine

$57,348

$27.57

Maryland

$63,068

$30.32

Massachusetts

$66,222

$31.84

Michigan

$55,273

$26.57

Minnesota

$60,462

$29.07

Mississippi

$48,908

$23.51

Missouri

$54,604

$26.25

Montana

$53,591

$25.77

Nebraska

$54,909

$26.40

Nevada

$57,191

$27.50

New Hampshire

$60,959

$29.31

New Jersey

$65,568

$31.52

New Mexico

$55,273

$26.57

New York

$62,369

$29.99

North Carolina

$56,166

$27.00

North Dakota

$53,929

$25.93

Ohio

$55,086

$26.48

Oklahoma

$53,094

$25.53

Pennsylvania

$56,964

$27.39

Rhode Island

$65,110

$31.30

South Carolina

$54,433

$26.17

South Dakota

$56,360

$27.10

Tennessee

$57,159

$27.48

Texas

$59,393

$28.55

Utah

$54,171

$26.04

Vermont

$62,500

$30.05

Virginia

$56,680

$27.25

Washington

$61,920

$29.77

West Virginia

$51,240

$24.63

Wisconsin

$60,204

$28.94

 

Wyoming

 

  $57,917

 

$27.84

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:

highest paying states for medical billers and coders


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. 

>> Show Me Medical Coding & Billing Programs

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:

  1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
  2. Gain experience
  3. Pursue continuing education
  4. 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.

>> Show Me Medical Coding & Billing Programs  

Medical Billing & Coding Resources

For more information on getting into medical billing and coding, check out our other helpful articles and guides!

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.

Medical Billing & Coding FAQs

  • How much does a medical biller and coder make per hour? 

    • According to the BLS, ​​medical billers and coders make $47,180 per year or $22.69  per hour. 
  • Do medical coders work from home?

    • Medical coders can work from home, in doctor's offices, or in healthcare facilities.
  • What pays more - medical billing or coding? 

    • Medical coders may earn slightly more than medical billers. 
  • How much do medical coders make working from home? 

    • According to ZipRecruiter, a medical coder working from home earns an average of $46,638 annually or $22/hour.
  • How long does it take to become a medical biller or coder? 

    • The shortest accredited medical billing and coding program lasts 16 weeks, and even the longest programs last less than a year, offering extremely quick entry into this career field.  
  • Is it worth going to school for medical billing and coding? 

    • Medical billers and coders can earn a decent salary for an entry-level position and have the option to work from home. 
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