The average salary for medical billing and coding professionals in the United States is $48,780 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $35,000, while experienced coders can earn over $65,000 annually. Salaries vary by location, certification, and workplace setting such as hospitals or physician offices.
What Medical Billing and Coding Professionals Do
Medical billing and coding professionals translate healthcare services into standardized codes for insurance claims and accurate patient records.
They use diagnostic and procedural codes such as ICD-10, CPT Category II Codes, and HCPCS to ensure that healthcare providers are paid correctly for medical services. These professionals often work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and healthcare facilities. Their primary responsibility is to ensure accurately coded medical procedures and support the billing process for insurance claims.
Key tasks include:
- Using coding software to input and retrieve patient data
- Reviewing medical records and provider notes
- Submitting claims to insurance providers
- Following health insurance portability and coding compliance regulations
Most roles require a high school diploma, though many employers prefer candidates with a coding certification or associate degree.
Average Medical Billing and Coding Salary in 2025
The national average annual salary for medical billing and coding professionals is $48,780, with a median salary of $50,250.
This data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry groups like the AAPC. Pay varies based on certification, location, and experience.
- Entry-level positions: $35,000
- Experienced coders: $65,000+
- Top 10% of earners: Over $80,950
Medical Billing and Coding Salary Overview
Below is a comparison of medical billing and coding salaries by state and workplace type.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State (Selected)
| State | Median Salary (BLS) | Average Salary (Other) | Hourly Average | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $59,700 | $80,189 (AAPC) | $39 | – |
| Florida | $45,990 | $64,128 (AAPC) | $31 | – |
| New York | $59,750 | $72,523 (AAPC) | $35 | – |
| Texas | $47,230 | $66,010 (AAPC) | $32 | – |
| District of Columbia | $64,690 | $70,900 (AAPC) | $34 | – |
| Washington | $62,250 | $71,748 (AAPC) | $34 | – |
| Georgia | $48,990 | $65,280 (AAPC) | $31 | – |
| South Carolina | $58,510 | $52,050 (BLS), $50,640 (median) | $25.02–$28 | $35,740–$67,930 |
| National Median | $50,250 | $50,250 | $24.16 | $35,780–$80,950 |
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by Workplace
| Workplace Type | Average Annual Salary (AAPC) |
|---|---|
| Health System | $68,290 |
| Individual Hospitals | $65,502 |
| Large Group Practice (50+ physicians) | $65,042 |
| Medium Group Practice (11–49) | $59,411 |
| Solo/Small Group Practice (1–10) | $57,797 |
National Salary Ranges:
- 10th Percentile: $35,780
- 25th Percentile: $41,600
- 75th Percentile: $64,070
- 90th Percentile: $80,950
Salary by Experience Level
More experience directly increases earnings in medical billing and coding roles.
- Entry level position with <1 year: ~$35,000
- 2–3 years: ~$45,000
- 5+ years: ~$55,000–$65,000
- 10+ years or supervisor roles: $70,000+
Experience also influences job titles like coding specialist, certified professional coder (CPC), or medical records technician. Senior coders and coding specialists often lead teams or train new hires.
Salary by Location
Location is one of the biggest factors in salary variation across the healthcare industry.
States like California, New York, and Washington offer higher pay, reflecting a higher cost of living and demand. Rural regions tend to offer lower wages, but remote jobs may bridge that gap.
Examples:
- California coders average $80,189 per year
- Texas coders earn ~$66,000
- Florida coders earn ~$64,000
Remote coding jobs can pay well, especially for experienced coding professionals working in high-demand specialties.
Impact of Certification on Salary
Certified coding professionals earn 8.5% more on average than non-certified coders.
Certifications improve job prospects and salary levels. Employers prefer professionals with certifications like:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder) – AAPC
- CCA (Certified Coding Associate) – AHIMA
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) – AHIMA
- COC (Certified Outpatient Coder) – AAPC
- CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder) – AAPC
Coders with multiple certifications can earn $66,000 or more. Passing a certification exam requires knowledge of medical terminology, coding procedures, and diagnostic procedures.
Job Outlook and Future Trends
Medical billing and coding jobs are growing due to aging populations, telehealth expansion, and increased demand for health care support jobs.
According to labor statistics, employment for health information technicians is projected to grow 8% through 2032—faster than average. Growth factors include:
- Expansion of healthcare field
- More complex insurance claims
- Widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHR)
- Demand for certified billing experts in compliance and auditing
Digital records and AI tools are changing how coding procedures are performed, increasing efficiency but requiring coders to upskill.
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential
Professionals can increase their salary by gaining certifications, choosing high-paying regions, and specializing in complex fields like oncology or anesthesia.
Actionable Tips:
- Get certified through AAPC or AHIMA
- Choose roles in hospitals, insurance firms, or government
- Specialize in areas like nuclear medicine, cardiology, or compliance
- Take advanced coding training or an associate degree program
- Consider online medical billing courses from community colleges
Networking with professional coders, attending workshops, and staying updated on coding certifications also helps improve job opportunities and income.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How does working remotely impact medical billing and coding salaries?
Remote positions in medical billing and coding can offer salaries comparable to in-office roles. In lower-cost regions, pay may be slightly less, while in high-demand areas, remote workers may earn more. Some employers provide remote stipends.
Are there salary differences between medical billing and medical coding roles?
Yes. Medical coders usually earn more than medical billers due to greater skill and certification requirements. In larger settings, coders often handle more complex responsibilities.
How does certification affect salary, and which certifications yield the highest pay?
Certified professionals earn 8.5% more. The CPC, CIC, and COC are top-paying certifications. Coders with three or more certifications often exceed $66,000 per year.
What are the highest-paying non-hospital workplaces for medical billers and coders?
Insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies often pay more than hospitals. These roles favor experienced coding specialists with advanced knowledge.
Can medical billing and coding professionals increase their salary by specializing in certain fields?
Yes. Specialties like oncology, anesthesia, and compliance auditing offer higher salaries due to coding complexity.
How do part-time or contract roles compare to full-time positions in terms of salary and benefits?
Part-time coders may earn a higher hourly rate, but lack benefits such as health insurance and retirement. Full-time roles provide more stability.
Key Points
Medical billing and coding is a growing career path with strong salary potential, especially for those who pursue certification, gain experience, and specialize in high-demand fields. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance, strategic choices in education, certification, and employer type can significantly raise your coding salary in the healthcare industry.
