Medical Coding Data
Medical billing and coding compensation has accelerated as health systems navigate complex payer audits, value-based reimbursement, and electronic claim compliance. Here are verified salary benchmarks across credentials, work environments, and regions.
| Credential | Issuing Body | Entry Level (0-2 Yrs) | Mid-Career (3-6 Yrs) | Senior / Lead (7+ Yrs) | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Credentialed Biller | None | $38,200 | $44,500 | $51,200 | $46,900 |
| CPC (Certified Professional Coder) | AAPC | $49,400 | $62,100 | $76,500 | $63,180 |
| CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) | AHIMA | $52,800 | $66,400 | $81,200 | $67,420 |
| CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder) | AAPC | $54,200 | $67,800 | $83,500 | $68,900 |
| CPMA (Medical Auditor) | AAPC | $58,900 | $73,200 | $91,400 | $74,560 |
Over 60% of certified medical coders now work in 100% remote or hybrid positions. Remote positions generally match on-site clinic compensation while providing substantial commute savings:
Geographic cost-of-living adjustments, local hospital density, and regional payer complexity drive significant state variations in medical coding wages:
| State | Average Hourly Wage | Annual Average Salary | Top 10% Senior Wage | Employment Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $36.45 / hr | $75,820 | $98,400 | Very High |
| New York | $34.80 / hr | $72,380 | $94,600 | High |
| Washington | $33.90 / hr | $70,510 | $91,800 | High |
| Texas | $29.50 / hr | $61,360 | $81,200 | Very High |
| Florida | $28.75 / hr | $59,800 | $78,900 | Very High |
| Illinois | $30.20 / hr | $62,820 | $82,400 | Moderate |
| Ohio | $27.90 / hr | $58,030 | $76,500 | Moderate |
| North Carolina | $28.40 / hr | $59,070 | $77,800 | Moderate |
Certified coders earn significantly higher compensation than non-certified peers. Prepare for the AAPC exam with our structured, 12-module self-paced blueprint course and 6 full mock exams.