Medical Billing and Coding Salary in USA 2025
Average pay, certification premium, and career growth
Range: Non-Certified to CPC Certified
How Much Do Medical Billing and Coding Professionals Earn in 2025?
Medical billing and coding specialists are healthcare administrative professionals who translate medical services into standardized codes for insurance billing. They ensure accurate reimbursement and regulatory compliance—a critical function that keeps healthcare revenue flowing.
2025 national data shows varied averages: some sources cite around $42,442–$46,638 per year for general roles, while BLS reports median closer to $48,780–$50,250. The variation largely reflects certification status—the single biggest pay differentiator in this field.
Certification dramatically increases earning potential. Certified coders with one credential average $64,495–$66,979, while those with 2+ certifications earn $79,988–$84,414—representing 16–41% salary premiums over non-certified peers. Entry-level positions start around $30,000–$40,000, while experienced certified professionals in high-paying states can reach $70,000–$80,000+. This is an accessible healthcare career path—see our guide to high-paying jobs without a degree. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Salary: Base Pay and Ranges
Multiple data sources provide different pictures depending on who they're counting:
| Metric (USA 2025) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Average annual salary (general) | $42,442–$46,638 |
| BLS median annual salary | $48,780–$50,250 |
| Average hourly wage | $21–$24/hour |
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $30,000–$40,000 |
| Mid-career (3–5 years) | $45,000–$55,000 |
| Experienced (5+ years, certified) | $60,000–$80,000+ |
| Top 10% earners | $80,950+ |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Entry-level billing/coding roles pay below average, but certified specialists can match or exceed it. To convert hourly to annual, use our hourly to salary calculator.
Certification Impact on Salary
Certification is the single most impactful factor in medical billing and coding compensation. The data is striking—and the ROI is excellent.
Salary by Number of Certifications
| Certification Level | Average Salary | Premium vs. Non-Certified |
|---|---|---|
| No certification | ~$46,000 baseline | Baseline |
| 1 certification | $60,000–$67,000 | +16% |
| 2 certifications | ~$79,988 | +32% |
| 3+ certifications | ~$84,414 | +41% |
Salary by Specific Credential (2025 AAPC Data)
| Credential | Average Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| AAPC Approved Instructor | $97,070 | +7.0% |
| Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) | $91,075 | +2.3% |
| Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) | $81,278 | +4.6% |
| Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) | $77,511 | +4.1% |
| Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) | $74,943 | +4.5% |
| Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) | $73,183 | +3.6% |
| Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | $66,415 | +3.0% |
| Certified Professional Biller (CPB) | $64,103 | +6.3% |
Why Certification Matters So Much
Employer requirements: 65% of employers require certification, and 83% prefer certified candidates.
Demonstrated competence: Certification proves knowledge of coding systems (ICD-10, CPT), compliance regulations, and industry best practices.
Reduced errors: Certified coders make fewer billing errors, directly impacting employer revenue.
Career advancement: Certification is typically required for senior, auditing, and management positions.
Salary by Experience and Education
Experience drives salary growth, but certification accelerates it significantly.
| Experience / Education Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (certificate only, 0–2 years) | $30,000–$40,000 |
| Mid-career (3–5 years) | $45,000–$55,000 |
| Experienced (5+ years, certified) | $60,000–$70,000 |
| Associate degree holder | ~$59,663 average |
| Specialized roles (auditor, reviewer) | $77,000–$87,500 |
| Management/supervisor | $75,000–$95,000+ |
Education Impact
While certificate programs provide entry, an associate degree correlates with higher average earnings (~$59,663). However, certifications matter more than degrees in this field—a CPC-certified candidate with a certificate often earns more than an uncertified candidate with a degree.
Experience Progression
First 2 years: Build foundational skills, pass certification exams
Years 3–5: Develop specialty expertise, add certifications
Years 5+: Move into senior coder, auditor, or supervisor roles
Salary by State and Location
Geographic location significantly impacts medical billing and coding compensation.
Highest-Paying States
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $65,000–$75,000 |
| New York | $60,000–$70,000 |
| Alaska | $60,000–$68,000 |
| Washington | $58,000–$66,000 |
| Massachusetts | $57,000–$65,000 |
| New Jersey | $55,000–$63,000 |
| Connecticut | $54,000–$62,000 |
Lower-Paying States
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $38,000–$42,000 |
| Arkansas | $39,000–$43,000 |
| West Virginia | $40,000–$44,000 |
| Alabama | $40,000–$45,000 |
| Louisiana | $41,000–$46,000 |
Urban vs. Rural
Urban hospitals and large health systems pay 15–25% more than rural clinics. Major metro areas like NYC, LA, Chicago, and San Francisco offer the highest compensation within their states.
Remote Work Opportunity
Medical billing and coding is highly compatible with remote work. Many professionals work from home for employers nationwide, potentially accessing higher pay scales without relocating. Remote positions typically pay at national average rates regardless of where you live.
Salary by Work Setting
Employer type significantly impacts compensation—hospital systems generally pay more than physician offices.
| Work Setting | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Specialty hospitals (non-psychiatric) | $59,260 |
| Management companies/enterprises | $59,060 |
| General hospitals | $57,600 |
| Outpatient care centers | $56,510 |
| Insurance carriers | $52,000–$58,000 |
| Billing service companies | $48,000–$55,000 |
| Nursing care facilities | $47,400 |
| Physician offices | $46,010 |
Why Hospitals Pay More
Hospital coding is more complex (inpatient procedures, DRGs, higher-acuity patients), requiring specialized certifications (CIC) that command higher pay. Hospital systems also have larger HR budgets and more structured pay scales.
Remote Positions
Remote/work-from-home positions offer flexibility and eliminate commuting. Pay typically matches national averages—you may not get a geographic premium, but you also won't face geographic penalties if you live in a lower-paying area.
What Medical Billing and Coding Specialists Do
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Medical billers and coders: review patient records and clinical documentation, assign ICD-10 diagnosis codes and CPT/HCPCS procedure codes, submit insurance claims and verify coding accuracy, follow up on claim denials and rejections, ensure compliance with HIPAA, CMS, and payer regulations, maintain accurate documentation and audit trails, and communicate with providers to clarify documentation.
Work Settings
Medical billers and coders work in: hospitals and health systems (inpatient and outpatient), physician practices and clinics, billing service companies, insurance companies (payer side), government agencies (Medicare, Medicaid), and remote/home-based (increasingly common).
Required Skills
Success requires: attention to detail and accuracy, medical terminology and anatomy knowledge, familiarity with coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), proficiency with EHR and billing software, understanding of insurance and reimbursement processes, and analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Medical billing and coding offers strong employment prospects with clear advancement paths.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects medical records and health information technicians (including billing/coding) to grow much faster than average over the next decade. Drivers include: aging population requiring more healthcare services, expanded insurance coverage increasing claim volume, electronic health record adoption requiring skilled coders, and regulatory complexity demanding compliance expertise.
Hiring Challenges Create Opportunity
40% of employers report difficulty finding quality candidates. This creates strong opportunity for certified professionals—demand exceeds supply, giving qualified candidates negotiating leverage.
Career Progression Paths
Individual contributor track: Medical coder/biller → Certified specialist → Senior coder → Coding auditor/reviewer
Management track: Senior coder → Coding supervisor → Coding manager → HIM director
Specialty track: General coder → Risk adjustment specialist → Compliance officer → Revenue cycle consultant
How to Increase Your Medical Billing and Coding Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost earnings in this field.
Earn Professional Certification
Start with CPC (Certified Professional Coder) or CPB (Certified Professional Biller) for an immediate 16% boost. These are the foundational credentials that open doors.
Stack Certifications
Add specialty certifications for 32–41% total premiums: CIC (inpatient) for $77,500 average, CRC (risk adjustment) for $75,000 average, CPMA (auditing) for $81,000 average, CPCO (compliance) for $91,000 average.
Pursue an Associate Degree
An associate degree raises average earnings to ~$59,663 and may be required for some management positions.
Specialize in High-Value Areas
Inpatient coding, risk adjustment, auditing, and compliance command the highest salaries. Build expertise through specialized certifications and targeted experience.
Target High-Paying Employers
Specialty hospitals and health system management companies pay the most. Hospital settings generally out-pay physician offices by $10,000–$13,000 annually.
Relocate or Work Remote
California, New York, and Alaska pay 40–60% more than low-paying states. Alternatively, work remotely for employers in high-paying markets without relocating.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value based on certifications, experience, and location. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average medical billing and coding salary in 2025?
Average salary ranges from $42,442–$50,250 depending on source and certification status. Non-certified billing/coding specialists earn around $42,000–$46,000, while CPC-certified coders average $66,415, and those with multiple certifications earn $80,000–$97,000.
How much more do certified medical coders make?
Certification adds 16–41% to salary: one certification adds approximately 16% (~$66,000 average), two certifications add 32% (~$80,000), and three+ certifications add 41% (~$84,400). Specialized certifications like CPMA and CPCO exceed $80,000–$91,000.
What is entry-level medical coding salary?
Entry-level medical billing and coding positions typically pay $30,000–$40,000 annually, or $15–$19/hour. Earning CPC or CPB certification before or shortly after entering the field can boost starting pay to $45,000–$50,000.
Which states pay medical coders the most?
Highest-paying states: California ($65,000–$75,000), New York ($60,000–$70,000), Alaska ($60,000–$68,000), Washington ($58,000–$66,000), and Massachusetts ($57,000–$65,000). Remote work allows access to higher pay without relocating.
Is medical billing and coding a good career in 2025?
Yes, for those suited to detail-oriented administrative work. The field offers: accessible entry (certificate programs, often under 1 year), strong job growth (faster than average), remote work options (increasingly common), clear advancement paths (certifications lead to higher pay), and healthcare industry stability. Trade-offs include sedentary desk work and the need for continuous learning as coding systems update.