[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical coders and billers use coding systems to maintain patient information for billing, insurance reimbursements, and electronic health records. To qualify for these roles, you typically need a postsecondary[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/”] medical billing and coding certificate[/hen-ui-link]. Learn how much medical billers and coders make by specialty, work setting, and location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Average Salary for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/how-to-become/”]become a medical billing and coding specialist [/hen-ui-link]with a high school diploma, but you can earn higher salaries with a college degree and postsecondary certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”4″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]$58,545[/hen-ui-text]No College[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]$59,663[/hen-ui-text]Associate Degree/Some College[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]$66,493[/hen-ui-text]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]$81,501[/hen-ui-text]Master’s Degree and above[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source:[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/tools/medical-coding-salary-survey/#PayTrendsfor2022″ target=”_blank”] AAPC[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAPC’s[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/blog/89864-medical-records-specialists-reach-higher-ground-in-healthcare/” target=”_blank”] 2024 Medical Coding and Billing Salary report[/hen-ui-link] shows a 9% increase in salary from 2022 to 2023 for postsecondary degrees, the largest compensation hike year-over-year since the survey’s conception in 2008.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding specialists with a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual income of $66,500. This salary increases to $81,500 with a master’s degree or higher education. Medical records professionals with no postsecondary education on average earn $58,550 per year — about 28% less than their peers with advanced degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like education, credentials positively affect salary. In fact, certification is the most influential factor in higher incomes for billers and coders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of industry credentials also influences compensation. According to the AAPC report, medical records specialists who advance to two AAPC credentials bump up to an average annual salary of $71,130 and those with three or more earn $76,040 on average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Billing and Coding Salaries by Position[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information shows how medical billing coding specializations influence salaries. Average salaries start on the lower end for billing specialists, with significant pay increases at the management level.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Medical Billing and Coding Salaries by Position[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hourly Rate[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-billing-specialist-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Billing Specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$48,160[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-billing-specialist-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$23[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-billing-clerk-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Billing Clerk[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$43,754[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-billing-clerk-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$21[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-manager-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Records Coding Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$80,994[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-manager-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$39[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-policy-administrator-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Records Coding Policy Administrator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$96,232[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-policy-administrator-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$46[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-compliance-specialist-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Records Coding Compliance Specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$74,347[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-compliance-specialist-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$36[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-billing-supervisor-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Billing Supervisor[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$64,904[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-billing-supervisor-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$31[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-technician-ii-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Records Coding Technician II[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$50,373[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-technician-ii-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$24[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-technician-i-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Records Coding Technician I[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$41,062[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-technician-i-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$20[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/billing-manager-salary” target=”_blank”]Billing Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$118,045[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/billing-manager-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$57[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-technician-iii-salary” target=”_blank”]Medical Records Coding Technician III[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$66,260[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Rate”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-records-coding-technician-iii-hourly-wages” target=”_blank”]$32[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Growth Can Medical Billing and Coding Specialists Expect?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a job growth rate of 7% from 2024 to 2034 for medical records specialists — which includes medical billers and coders. This figure is more than double the average growth rate for all U.S. occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many medical records specialists retire or transition to other roles, contributing to the sizable opportunities for those entering the coder and biller workforce.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the rising demand for these roles, income continues to trend upwards based on certification, clinical focus areas, and education. Experience level also plays a crucial role in compensation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional years of experience correlates with increased income. AAPC’s 2024 Report results show a 43% increase in average annual salaries from 2022 to 2023 for billers and coders across the board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source:[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/blog/89864-medical-records-specialists-reach-higher-ground-in-healthcare/” target=”_blank”] AAPC[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Highest Paying States for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California pays medical billing and coding specialists the highest average annual salary of $76,700, followed by Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The size of the community and its economic health can influence compensation rates. AAPC’s 2024 survey shows a 31.5% difference in income from California to the lowest state, West Virginia, at $52,560.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The states with the highest annual pay for medical coders and billers are:[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying States for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]California[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$76,700[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Rhode Island[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$73,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$72,510[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$70.220[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]New York[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$70,190[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Highest-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billers and coders in areas with a higher cost of living often earn more. Just as urban areas affect income, large metropolitan areas offer high wages to match the price tag on housing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the table below demonstrates, billers and coders in large metropolitan areas earn the most on average. The San Jose—Sunnyvale—Santa Clara, CA metro area tops the list with an average salary of $99,500.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Metro Areas for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metro Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]San Jose – Sunnyvale – Santa Clara, CA[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$99,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Chattanooga, TN-GA[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$80,170[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Sacramento – Roseville – Folsom, CA[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$76,120[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]San Francisco – Oakland – Fremont, CA[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$75,400[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Seattle – Tacoma – Bellevue, WA[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$74,020[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Highest-Paying Workplaces for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding specialists’ salaries also vary among practice settings. The largest employer — health systems — pays the highest average salary in 2023. This group of healthcare organizations is trailed by large physician group practices and hospitals.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Workplaces for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Worklace[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]2022[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]2023[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Percentage Increase[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Health System[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$60,090[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$64,670[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]7.6%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Large Group Practice (50+ Physicians)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$57,730[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$62,350[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]8.0%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$61,220[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$61,220[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]6.2%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Hospital Inpatient[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$55,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$59,190[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]6.5%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Hospital Outpatient[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$54,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$56,620[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]3.6%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Medium Group Practice[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$51,716[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$55,150[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]6.6%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Worklace”]Solo/ Small Group Practice[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2022″]$51,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2023″]$51,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage Increase”]0.4%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other healthcare workplaces that rely on billing and coding specialists include long-term care facilities, outpatient and ambulatory services, home health organizations, and hospice centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, billing and coding specialists are employed by businesses unrelated to direct patient care, including insurance companies, law offices, medical software companies, medical equipment vendors, and the government.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salaries Compare to Similar Occupations?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Department of Labor the median 2023 fourth quarter annual earnings for full-time workers in all industries is $59,380. This data includes those with advanced degrees. This figure is marginally lower than the median salary for medical billing and coding specialists at $62,160.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As illustrated by the BLS figures below, medical records specialists earn more than those in similar occupations, with the exception of medical and health services managers, health information technologist, and medical registrars. Billing and coding professionals with certifications, specializations, and higher education levels can increase their earnings significantly.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption][/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Occupation[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]2024 Median[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Medical and Health Service Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$117,960[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$67,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Medical Records Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$50,250[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$44,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Information Clerks[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$43,730[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Pharmacy Technicians[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$43,460[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Medical Transcriptionists[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”2024 Median”]$37,550[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]4 Ways to Increase Pay As a Medical Coder or Biller[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the top 10% of medical records specialists make an annual median salary of $80,950, while the lowest-paid 10% earn $35,780. Several factors drive these differences, including certification, education level, and length and type of experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billers and coders can increase their salaries through several ways, including pursuing certifications, additional education, and relevant experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Pursuing Certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification signifies a higher level of knowledge and skill and opens doors to your best career options. According to AAPC, non certified billers and coders perform the same work as their certified coworkers but earn 16.6% less.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certifications vary from the[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpb” target=”_blank”] certified professional biller[/hen-ui-link] (CPB), earning an average of $60,320 annually, to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/business/instructor-certification” target=”_blank”]AAPC-approved instructor[/hen-ui-link], earning an average of $90,730. However, initial certification requires candidates to pass the CPB or[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/cpc/” target=”_blank”] certified professional coder[/hen-ui-link] (CPC) exams.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Increase Your Education Level[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a degree can also increase your medical billing and coding salary. The AAPC reports that wages for billers and coders with a master’s degree (or higher) earn 28.2% more on average than those for certified coders with no college.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Administrative Roles[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical coders and billers in advanced roles, such as management and supervision, often benefit from career longevity and higher salaries. AAPC offers a[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpco” target=”_blank”] certified professional compliance officer[/hen-ui-link] (CPCO) credential, which can lead to higher-paying administrative positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/blog/89864-medical-records-specialists-reach-higher-ground-in-healthcare/” target=”_blank”] AAPC 2023 Survey data[/hen-ui-link] shows an average salary of $89,010 for a compliance officer. The highest paying position is an AAPC approved instructor at $90,730.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Switch Workplace Setting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AAPC reports that large health systems pay their medical billing and coding specialists approximately[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/resources/salary-by-employer-type” target=”_blank”] 20% more[/hen-ui-link] than solo physician medical offices or small group practices. However, most health systems have 3-10 hospitals and other facilities affiliated with them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding job seekers can explore[hen-ui-link href=”https://jobs.aapc.com/jobs” target=”_blank”] AAPC’s employment listings[/hen-ui-link] for salaries, including for major health systems.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Coder and Biller Specialist Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does a medical biller and coder make per hour?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average hourly wage for certified medical records specialists is $30.14 with certification and $25.84 for those who do not hold a certification, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/resources/salary-by-credential” target=”_blank”]the AAPC[/hen-ui-link]. It’s important to keep in mind that hourly wages for medical billers and coders vary by certification, education, experience, and location.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is medical coding a hard job?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical coding requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, organization, and critical thinking skills. Although the job can be challenging as you familiarize yourself with the codes and terminology, it is a rewarding profession that you can master.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest pay for medical billing and coding?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In terms of workplaces, large health systems pay the most for medical billers and coders with an average salary of $64,670. AAPC-approved instructors earn an average wage of $90,730, indicating that certification can significantly increase pay. Billers and coders in the Pacific region (Alaska,[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/”] California[/hen-ui-link], Hawaii, Oregan, and Washington) make an average of $71.550 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What specialty in medical coding pays the most?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AAPC-approved instructors earn an average annual income of $90,730, followed by CPCOs who make $89,010. The third highest specialty are those who are certified professional practice managers (CPPMs). They make an average annual salary exceeding $80,210.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do medical billers work from home?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]About 64% of medical coders, billers and other healthcare business professionals work fully remote roles, according to the AAPC. About 15% work hybrid roles, combining working from home and in the office. The remaining 21% work exclusively onsite.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]