How Much Do Medical Coder and Billers Make? A Detailed Salary Guide
Medical coding and billing is a fast-growing healthcare profession with increasing earning potential. According to the latest data, medical coders and billers in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $63,200 as of 2025. However, this figure can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, certifications, job setting, and education level.
Let’s break down the current salary landscape for medical billing and coding professionals in 2025 and uncover what contributes to higher earnings in this rewarding field.
Key Salary Takeaways for 2025
Average salary (U.S.): $63,200
Top 10% earn: Over $80,000
Bottom 10% earn: Around $36,000
Median salary: $49,800
Certified professionals earn 18% more than non-certified peers
Location, experience, and credentials greatly influence salaries
Average Annual Salary in Medical Billing and Coding
As of 2025, the average salary for medical coders and billers is $63,200, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this offers a helpful benchmark, actual earnings can vary widely. Entry-level professionals may earn around $45,700, while those in the top tier with over 10 years of experience and a medical billing and coding certification—such as one from AMBCI—can command salaries of $80,000 or more.
The median wage, often considered a more accurate measure, stands at $49,800. Salaries are also impacted by job responsibilities, employer size, and healthcare setting.
Medical Coding Salaries by State in 2025
Location is one of the strongest factors impacting salary. States with higher costs of living and demand for healthcare services typically pay more.
In contrast, states like Indiana report average salaries around $58,300, showing how location choices can influence earnings significantly.
Impact of Certifications on Salary
Professional certifications like CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC or RHIT from AHIMA significantly boost income potential. In 2025, certified medical coders earn approximately 18% more than non-certified professionals.
AAPC Certification Insights
Average salary with CPC certification: $60,550
Coders with multiple AAPC certifications: Up to $83,000
AHIMA Certification Insights
Average salary with AHIMA certification: $66,000
Top earners (with extensive experience): Over $90,000
Certifications signal expertise and open doors to higher-paying roles and advancement opportunities.
Experience-Based Salary Growth
Experience plays a pivotal role in salary progression. Here's how earnings typically grow over time:
Professionals with 30+ years in the field and high-level certifications (e.g., AHIMA) can exceed $100,000/year.
The Role of Education
While a high school diploma is often enough to enter the field, higher education correlates with higher earnings. An associate degree can add up to 10% more in salary, while a bachelor’s degree can significantly elevate earning potential.
Salary by Job Setting
The work environment also influences how much coders and billers earn. Outpatient centers and large healthcare systems usually pay more due to greater complexity and volume.
Top Cities for Medical Billing and Coding Salaries
Some U.S. cities stand out for high-paying opportunities:
San Jose, CA: $84,500
San Fran cisco, CA: $76,100
Seattle, WA: $72,900
New York, NY: $71,300
Boston, MA: $70,800
These metro areas reflect a combination of high demand, cost of living, and advanced healthcare systems.
Hourly Wages in 2025
Medical coders and billers earn an average hourly rate of $24.23, but this varies:
San Jose, CA: $40.25/hour
Sacramento, CA: $35.00/hour
Houston, TX: $28.10/hour
Atlanta, GA: $26.70/hour
Job Roles and Salary Differences
Different job titles come with varying salaries:
Medical Billing Clerk I: $36,000
Medical Billing Specialist: $46,500
Coding Auditor: $70,000+
Health Information Manager: $90,000+
Advancement to supervisory or managerial roles brings a significant salary bump.
Career Growth Opportunities
The field offers strong career mobility. With experience and advanced certifications, professionals can move into:
Supervisory roles
Compliance auditing
Health information management
Revenue cycle management
These roles not only offer higher salaries but greater job security and flexibility.
6 Lesser-Known Facts About Medical Coding and Billing
Remote work is now mainstream: Over 45% of coders work remotely in 2025.
Job growth is accelerating: The field is expected to grow 9% through 2032, faster than average.
Telehealth is creating new coding roles: Coding for virtual care visits has added new career paths.
👉 CDC Telehealth DataCoding affects hospital reimbursements: Accurate coding can improve hospital revenue by up to 20%.
👉 HFMA StudySpecialized coders earn more: Those focused in cardiology or neurology coding earn up to $85,000/year.
Global outsourcing is impacting U.S. salaries: Offshore coding services have created more auditing and quality control roles domestically.
👉 Becker’s Healthcare Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The national average salary in 2025 is $63,200, with a median of $49,800.
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Certified professionals earn about 18% more, with multiple certifications offering even greater income potential.
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Massachusetts, D.C., New Jersey, and California lead in pay, with average salaries above $70,000.
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Entry-level coders can expect to earn around $45,700 annually in 2025.
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Yes! With experience, coders can move into roles like health information manager or compliance auditor, which offer salaries above $90,000.
Final Thoughts
Medical coding and billing remains a high-potential career in 2025. With rising demand, flexible remote options, and excellent salary growth based on experience, certifications, and education, it’s an attractive pathway into healthcare.
If you're exploring the field or looking to advance, focus on gaining recognized certifications and specialized experience to maximize your earnings.