Medical Coder Salary: Compensation for Certified Coders

As with medical biller salaries, the medical coder salary varies depending on a number of factors such as experience, geographical location, and the type of certification obtained. But if you’re a newbie in the industry, don’t let these things discourage you. Just so you know, the salary forecasts for medical coders are better than that of medical billers. Furthermore, your starting salary could get higher depending also on the reputation and stability of the healthcare provider that’s going to employ you, how well you did on your training, as well as your medical background. Read on to know more about the salary expectations for medical coders.

Salary Range of Medical Coders in Different US States

Based on data released by Payscale, the average hourly compensation for medical coders ranges between $13.49 and $17.19 annually. These figures equate to around $30,000 to $34,000 annually. The median salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $32,350 per year. This rate isn’t the definitive salary for entry-level medical coders, however, who may earn less or more depending on work environments. 

Data from Indeed.com meanwhile estimates the pay range for medical coders between $29,000 and $39,000 in Dallas, Texas (around $74,000 for supervisory levels); between $34,000 and $57,000 (and $85,000 for managers) in Atlanta, Georgia; and between $39,000 and $69,000 in New York. The salary would go higher or lower depending on the demand for coders in the area and the standards of living in the region. Variable compensation which includes bonuses and allowances also have to be factored in.

Medical Coder Training Requirements

One thing that is required of medical billing and coding students is a high school diploma. To be able to obtain a position as a medical coder, one has to obtain a certification from an accredited medical coding program like that offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or Meditec, a long-established career training provider. The coursework for the program encompasses the study of medical terminologies, different medical codes (e.g. CPT, ICD, HCPCS) and billing strategies and can be completed online. 

What to Expect from the Job

Medical coders often work full-time or part-time in the back offices (admin offices) of hospitals or telecommute (work from home). Of course, this would all depend on the agreement established between the coder and the employer. Also, medical billers would expect to interact with physicians, fellow healthcare information management professionals and insurance companies while on the job. They should expect little to virtually no interaction with patients as their job is essentially a desk job.