If you are looking for a healthcare career that does not require many years of medical school, medical coding can be a good option to consider. The medical coder salary in the USA is around $51,140 per year at the national median, or about $24.59 per hour, according to the latest May 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical coder pay can be different depending on state, experience, certification, employer, and the type of coding work. Entry-level medical coders can earn closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced and certified coders can earn much more. This guide covers the average medical coder salary, medical coder salary per hour, monthly pay, salary by state, entry-level pay, experienced coder salary and other important details for people planning a medical coding career in the United States.
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Average Medical Coder Salary in the USA
The average medical coder salary can look different depending on which salary number is being used. For this article, the main figure is the BLS median wage because it gives a better idea of what a typical worker earns. In May 2025, the median annual wage for medical records specialists, an occupation that includes medical coders, was $51,140 per year. The median hourly wage was about $24.59 per hour.
This means half of workers in this occupation earned more than $51,140 and half earned less. Medical coding salary is also affected by the workplace. Coders working for hospitals, insurance companies, large healthcare organizations, or specialized medical facilities may have different pay than someone working in a small physician office.
- Median medical coder salary: $51,140 per year
- Median medical coder hourly pay: $24.59 per hour
- Lower 10% salary: Less than $37,000 per year
- Top 10% salary: More than $81,150 per year
- Approximate median monthly pay: About $4,262 before taxes
These numbers are useful for understanding the general medical coding salary in the USA, but your actual salary can be higher or lower. Location is one of the biggest factors, which is why the state-by-state salary table below is important.
Medical Coder Salary by State
The medical coder salary by state can vary by a large amount across the United States. The following table uses May 2025 median annual wage data for Medical Records Specialists, which includes medical coders. It gives a simple comparison of what medical coding workers can expect in different states.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $43,810 |
| Alaska | $61,090 |
| Arizona | $47,630 |
| Arkansas | $41,740 |
| California | $61,810 |
| Colorado | $59,020 |
| Connecticut | $60,940 |
| Delaware | $56,060 |
| Florida | $45,760 |
| Georgia | $51,550 |
| Hawaii | $63,180 |
| Idaho | $53,460 |
| Illinois | $56,440 |
| Indiana | $47,670 |
| Iowa | $50,640 |
| Kansas | $48,160 |
| Kentucky | $48,410 |
| Louisiana | $44,610 |
| Maine | $52,090 |
| Maryland | $54,220 |
| Massachusetts | $60,350 |
| Michigan | $48,120 |
| Minnesota | $61,530 |
| Mississippi | $41,500 |
| Missouri | $50,750 |
| Montana | $50,190 |
| Nebraska | $51,670 |
| Nevada | $50,300 |
| New Hampshire | $49,210 |
| New Jersey | $50,240 |
| New Mexico | $57,470 |
| New York | $61,720 |
| North Carolina | $49,620 |
| North Dakota | $46,280 |
| Ohio | $50,990 |
| Oklahoma | $53,460 |
| Oregon | $59,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,840 |
| Rhode Island | $63,960 |
| South Carolina | $54,280 |
| South Dakota | $51,610 |
| Tennessee | $48,780 |
| Texas | $48,860 |
| Utah | $52,870 |
| Vermont | $57,560 |
| Virginia | $53,290 |
| Washington | $62,270 |
| West Virginia | $47,360 |
| Wisconsin | $60,280 |
| Wyoming | $54,210 |
Note: Salary amounts above are median annual wages for Medical Records Specialists from May 2025 BLS OEWS data. Medical coders are included in this occupation. Actual medical coder pay can be different based on certification, experience, employer, specialty and location.
Medical Coder Salary in Alabama
The medical coder salary in Alabama is around $43,810 per year at the median level. Alabama is one of the lower-paying states in the country for medical coding, but the lower cost of living can make the salary more useful than the number looks by itself. New coders may start below the state median and move upward after gaining experience.
Medical coders in Alabama can find work in hospitals, physician offices, healthcare systems and other medical facilities. Having a recognized coding certification may help when applying for better positions.
- Median salary: $43,810 per year
- Medical coding work is available in hospitals and clinics
- Certification can help with career growth
- Experience can increase earning potential
Medical Coder Salary in Alaska
The medical coder salary in Alaska is about $61,090 per year at the median. This is considerably higher than the national median for medical records specialists. Alaska can have higher wages in many healthcare jobs because of its location, labor market and cost of living.
For someone already living in Alaska, medical coding can be a useful healthcare career without needing to become a nurse or physician. Remote medical coding jobs may also give workers more options, depending on employer requirements.
Medical Coder Salary in Arizona
In Arizona, the median medical coder salary is about $47,630 per year. Arizona has a large healthcare industry and growing population, which creates demand for medical records and health information workers. The actual pay can be different between a small medical office and a large hospital system.
Arizona can be a good state for people who want to enter healthcare administration and coding. A coder with CPC or another recognized certification may have better opportunities than someone without professional credentials.
Medical Coder Salary in Arkansas
The medical coder salary in Arkansas is around $41,740 per year at the median. This is below the national median, but entry into medical coding can still be attractive because the education path is generally shorter than many other healthcare careers.
Medical coders in Arkansas may work with patient records, insurance claims, diagnosis codes and procedure codes. Accuracy is very important because even a small coding mistake can affect billing and medical records.
Medical Coder Salary in California
California is one of the better-paying states for medical coders. The median medical coder salary in California is about $61,810 per year. Large healthcare systems, hospitals and medical organizations provide many employment opportunities across the state.
The higher salary also comes with a higher cost of living in many California cities. For this reason, salary should not be the only thing to look at when comparing states for medical coding jobs.
- Median salary: $61,810
- California is among the higher-paying states
- Large hospitals and healthcare networks offer many jobs
- Certification and experience can improve earning potential
Medical Coder Salary in Colorado
The median medical coder salary in Colorado is approximately $59,020 per year. Colorado is above the national median and can be a good option for experienced medical coding professionals.
Medical coders can work in hospitals, physician offices, healthcare networks and other organizations that manage patient information. Workers with strong knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems can have more opportunities for higher-paying positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Connecticut
Connecticut has one of the higher medical coding salaries in the United States. The median medical coder salary in Connecticut is about $60,940 per year.
The state's healthcare sector includes hospitals, specialist medical practices and large healthcare organizations. Experienced coders may find better salary opportunities, especially when they have professional certification and knowledge of complex coding.
Medical Coder Salary in Delaware
The median medical coder salary in Delaware is around $56,060 per year. Delaware is above the national median, making it an interesting state for medical coding professionals who want to work in a smaller state with access to nearby large healthcare markets.
Medical coding jobs can involve reviewing patient records, assigning diagnosis and procedure codes, checking documentation and helping healthcare providers maintain accurate billing information.
Medical Coder Salary in Florida
The medical coder salary in Florida is around $45,760 per year at the median. Florida has one of the largest healthcare workforces in the country, so there are many medical coding positions even though the median salary is below the national figure.
Florida can be especially interesting for people who want a large job market. Hospitals, physician offices, outpatient facilities and healthcare companies all need workers who can handle medical records and coding.
Medical Coder Salary in Georgia
In Georgia, the median medical coder salary is approximately $51,550 per year. This puts Georgia close to the national median and makes it a reasonable market for people entering the medical coding field.
Atlanta and other growing areas have large healthcare organizations where medical coding and health information workers can find employment. Certification and practical experience can help a candidate stand out when applying for jobs.
Medical Coder Salary in Hawaii
Hawaii has one of the highest median medical coder salaries among the 50 states. The medical coder salary in Hawaii is about $63,180 per year.
Healthcare workers in Hawaii may earn higher wages partly because of the state's unique labor market and cost of living. A person considering moving to Hawaii should compare the salary with housing and everyday living costs before making a decision.
Medical Coder Salary in Idaho
The median medical coder salary in Idaho is about $53,460 per year. Idaho is above the national median and offers opportunities in hospitals, clinics and healthcare organizations.
Medical coding is detail-focused work, so people who enjoy computer work, medical terminology and reviewing information may find this career a good fit. Certification can also help workers move toward better-paying coding positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Illinois
The median medical coder salary in Illinois is around $56,440 per year. Illinois has a large healthcare industry, especially around Chicago and other major population centers. Medical coders can find jobs with hospitals, physician practices, insurance companies and healthcare service organizations.
A medical coder in Illinois may handle diagnosis codes, procedure codes, patient records and insurance documentation. Workers who gain experience with more complex coding cases can have better salary opportunities.
- Median salary: $56,440 per year
- Large healthcare job market
- Hospitals and medical offices are common employers
- Certification can support career growth
Medical Coder Salary in Indiana
The medical coder salary in Indiana is approximately $47,670 per year at the median. Indiana has a broad healthcare sector, with employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and other healthcare organizations.
For an entry-level medical coder, the starting salary can be lower than the state median. As the coder develops stronger knowledge of medical terminology, ICD coding, CPT coding and healthcare billing, earning potential can improve.
Medical Coder Salary in Iowa
The median medical coder salary in Iowa is about $50,640 per year. Iowa provides medical coding opportunities in hospitals, outpatient healthcare facilities, physician offices and other medical organizations.
Medical coding is mostly computer and documentation based work. This can make it attractive for people who want to work in healthcare but do not want a direct patient-care job.
- Median salary: $50,640
- Healthcare organizations employ medical coders
- Good attention to detail is important
- Experience can increase pay
Medical Coder Salary in Kansas
The medical coder salary in Kansas is around $48,160 per year at the median level. Kansas has healthcare employers throughout the state, creating opportunities for both new and experienced coding professionals.
Someone starting a medical coding career in Kansas may begin with an entry-level position and then move into more specialized coding work. Professional certification and knowledge of current coding rules can be useful for moving forward.
Medical Coder Salary in Kentucky
The median medical coder salary in Kentucky is approximately $48,410 per year. Medical coding jobs can be found in hospitals, clinics, physician practices and other healthcare facilities.
Medical coders in Kentucky need to be comfortable working with detailed patient information. The job requires accuracy because coding information can be connected with medical billing, insurance claims and health records.
Medical Coder Salary in Louisiana
The medical coder salary in Louisiana is around $44,610 per year at the median. While this is below the national median, medical coding can still offer a practical way to enter the healthcare industry.
Louisiana has hospitals, outpatient centers and physician practices that need medical records and coding professionals. Experienced coders with certification may have access to better-paying positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Maine
The median medical coder salary in Maine is about $52,090 per year. Maine's healthcare industry includes hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers that need accurate medical records and coding.
The smaller population of Maine does not mean there are no opportunities. Medical coding professionals can work for healthcare organizations and, where employers allow it, some positions can also be performed remotely.
Medical Coder Salary in Maryland
The medical coder salary in Maryland is approximately $54,220 per year at the median. Maryland has a strong healthcare sector and is close to major healthcare markets around Washington, D.C., and the Baltimore area.
Medical coders can work in hospitals, medical offices, outpatient facilities and other healthcare organizations. Experience with complex coding and professional certification can help improve long-term earning potential.
- Median salary: $54,220
- Strong healthcare employment market
- Hospitals are major employers
- Experienced coders may earn more
Medical Coder Salary in Massachusetts
The median medical coder salary in Massachusetts is around $60,350 per year. Massachusetts is one of the higher-paying states for medical coding and has a large healthcare and medical research industry.
The state has many hospitals, specialist practices and healthcare organizations. Medical coders with strong knowledge of coding systems and healthcare documentation can find opportunities in different parts of the healthcare industry.
Because Massachusetts also has a relatively high cost of living, workers should compare the medical coder salary with housing, transportation and other expenses when considering a job in the state.
Medical Coder Salary in Michigan
The medical coder salary in Michigan is about $48,120 per year at the median. Michigan has a large healthcare workforce and medical coding jobs are available in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings.
For new coders, building experience is important. A person who starts with basic coding work can later move into more complex medical coding, auditing or health information roles.
Medical Coder Salary in Minnesota
Minnesota is among the better-paying states for medical coding. The median medical coder salary in Minnesota is approximately $61,530 per year.
The state has a strong healthcare sector and many large healthcare organizations. Medical coders who have certification and several years of experience may have opportunities for higher-paying positions.
- Median salary: $61,530 per year
- Above the national median
- Strong healthcare industry
- Certification may improve job opportunities
Medical Coder Salary in Mississippi
The median medical coder salary in Mississippi is around $41,500 per year. This is below the national median, but the state can still offer entry-level opportunities for people interested in healthcare administration and medical coding.
Medical coders in Mississippi may work with hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare providers. As they gain experience and become more comfortable with coding guidelines, their earning potential can increase.
Medical Coder Salary in Missouri
The medical coder salary in Missouri is approximately $50,750 per year at the median. Missouri has healthcare employers in both large cities and smaller communities.
Medical coding professionals can work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, physician offices and healthcare administration. Strong computer skills and attention to detail are useful for this type of work.
Medical Coder Salary in Montana
The median medical coder salary in Montana is about $50,190 per year. Montana has a smaller population than many states, but healthcare organizations still need medical records and coding workers.
For people interested in working outside large metropolitan areas, Montana can provide medical coding opportunities. Remote work may also be available for some positions, depending on the employer.
Medical Coder Salary in Nebraska
The medical coder salary in Nebraska is around $51,670 per year at the median. Nebraska's healthcare sector provides employment in hospitals, clinics, medical practices and other healthcare organizations.
A new medical coder may start at a lower salary and increase earnings as experience grows. Professional certification can also make a candidate more competitive when applying for medical coding jobs.
Medical Coder Salary in Nevada
The median medical coder salary in Nevada is approximately $50,300 per year. Nevada has a growing healthcare sector, particularly around larger population centers such as Las Vegas and Reno.
Medical coders may work with patient documentation, insurance claims and healthcare billing information. Workers with experience in specialized coding can have more opportunities than someone just entering the field.
Medical Coder Salary in New Hampshire
The medical coder salary in New Hampshire is around $49,210 per year at the median. Medical coding jobs are available through hospitals, physician practices and other healthcare providers.
Medical coding requires careful review of patient information and correct assignment of codes. People who enjoy detail-oriented computer work can find this career a good fit.
Medical Coder Salary in New Jersey
The median medical coder salary in New Jersey is about $50,240 per year. New Jersey has a large healthcare industry and is also close to major employment markets in New York and Philadelphia.
Medical coders can work for hospitals, healthcare networks, physician offices and other organizations. Experienced professionals with certification and knowledge of more complex coding cases may qualify for better-paying jobs.
- Median salary: $50,240 per year
- Large healthcare market
- Opportunities in hospitals and medical practices
- Experienced and certified coders may earn more
In the next section, we will continue with New Mexico through the remaining states, followed by the important salary topics such as entry-level medical coder salary, medical coder salary per hour, monthly income, certified medical coder salary, experience-based pay, remote medical coder salary and other related search questions.
Medical Coder Salary in New Mexico
The median medical coder salary in New Mexico is around $57,470 per year. This is above the national median for medical records specialists. New Mexico has healthcare employers in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and other medical organizations.
Medical coding can be a useful career for people who want to work in healthcare but prefer computer and documentation work instead of direct patient care. Experience with coding systems and professional certification can help a medical coder qualify for better positions.
Medical Coder Salary in New York
The medical coder salary in New York is approximately $61,720 per year at the median. New York is one of the higher-paying states for medical coding, and the state has a very large healthcare industry.
Medical coders can find jobs with hospitals, physician groups, insurance organizations and other healthcare employers. New York City and other large population areas can have more job opportunities, although living costs can also be much higher.
- Median salary: $61,720 per year
- Large healthcare job market
- Hospitals and healthcare networks employ coders
- Certification and experience can improve opportunities
Medical Coder Salary in North Carolina
The median medical coder salary in North Carolina is around $49,620 per year. North Carolina has a growing healthcare sector and medical coding jobs are available in hospitals, clinics, physician practices and healthcare companies.
For an entry-level medical coder, the starting pay may be lower than the state median. With experience and better knowledge of medical coding rules, workers can move toward more advanced positions.
Medical Coder Salary in North Dakota
The medical coder salary in North Dakota is about $46,280 per year at the median. The state has a smaller healthcare workforce than many larger states, but medical records and coding professionals are still needed by healthcare providers.
Medical coders in North Dakota may work in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations. Remote work can also be an option for some workers when the employer allows remote coding positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Ohio
The median medical coder salary in Ohio is approximately $50,990 per year. Ohio has a large healthcare industry with hospitals, medical practices and healthcare systems across the state.
Medical coding professionals can build their career by gaining experience with different types of records and coding cases. Certification may also help when applying for professional coding jobs.
Medical Coder Salary in Oklahoma
The medical coder salary in Oklahoma is around $53,460 per year at the median. This is above the national median, making Oklahoma a reasonable state to consider for people interested in medical coding.
Medical coders can work with patient records, diagnosis information, procedures and insurance documentation. Accuracy and attention to detail are important because coding errors can affect healthcare claims and records.
Medical Coder Salary in Oregon
The median medical coder salary in Oregon is approximately $59,000 per year. Oregon is above the national median and has healthcare employers across the state.
Experienced medical coders can have opportunities in hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare organizations. Workers who specialize in more complex coding areas may have stronger earning potential.
Medical Coder Salary in Pennsylvania
The medical coder salary in Pennsylvania is around $46,840 per year at the median. Pennsylvania has a large number of hospitals and healthcare organizations, creating a broad market for medical records and coding workers.
New coders can start in entry-level positions and gain practical experience before moving into more specialized roles. Certification can also be useful when looking for better medical coding jobs.
Medical Coder Salary in Rhode Island
The median medical coder salary in Rhode Island is about $63,960 per year. This makes Rhode Island one of the higher-paying states for medical coding among the 50 states.
The state has a relatively small geographic area, but healthcare remains an important part of the local economy. Medical coders may find employment with hospitals, medical practices and other healthcare organizations.
- Median salary: $63,960
- One of the higher-paying states
- Healthcare organizations are common employers
- Experience can improve earning potential
Medical Coder Salary in South Carolina
The medical coder salary in South Carolina is around $54,280 per year at the median. The state has a growing healthcare sector and offers opportunities in hospitals, clinics and physician practices.
Someone starting as an entry-level medical coder may earn less than the state median. Over time, experience with coding systems, medical terminology and healthcare billing can help increase pay.
Medical Coder Salary in South Dakota
The median medical coder salary in South Dakota is approximately $51,610 per year. This is close to the national median and provides a reasonable salary level for medical coding professionals.
Medical coders can work in hospitals, clinics and healthcare offices. Because the work is largely computer based, some experienced professionals may also find remote opportunities.
Medical Coder Salary in Tennessee
The medical coder salary in Tennessee is around $48,780 per year at the median. Tennessee has a significant healthcare industry and many medical organizations need people who can manage medical records and coding.
Coders who develop experience with complex cases and maintain professional certification may have better chances of moving into higher-paying positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Texas
The median medical coder salary in Texas is about $48,860 per year. Texas has one of the largest healthcare job markets in the United States, so there can be many opportunities even when the state median salary is below the national median.
Large cities such as Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin have major healthcare systems and medical employers. Medical coders may work for hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies and healthcare service providers.
Medical Coder Salary in Utah
The medical coder salary in Utah is approximately $52,870 per year at the median. Utah's growing population and healthcare sector provide opportunities for medical records and coding professionals.
Medical coding can be a good starting point for someone interested in the wider health information field. With additional experience, a coder may move into auditing, compliance or other health information positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Vermont
The median medical coder salary in Vermont is around $57,560 per year. Vermont is above the national median and provides medical coding employment through hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers.
The smaller size of the state means there are fewer total jobs compared with states such as Texas or California. Still, qualified coders can find opportunities, particularly when they have relevant certification and experience.
Medical Coder Salary in Virginia
The medical coder salary in Virginia is approximately $53,290 per year at the median. Virginia has a broad healthcare industry and medical coding opportunities across hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare organizations.
The state's proximity to Washington, D.C., and other major employment areas can also create additional healthcare employment opportunities. Experienced coders may qualify for positions with higher responsibilities.
Medical Coder Salary in Washington
The median medical coder salary in Washington is about $62,270 per year. Washington is one of the higher-paying states for medical coding and has a large healthcare industry.
Medical coders can work in hospitals, healthcare networks, physician practices and other organizations. Washington can also be interesting for people looking for remote medical coding opportunities, although remote work depends on the employer and job requirements.
- Median salary: $62,270
- Above the national median
- Large healthcare market
- Remote coding jobs may be available
Medical Coder Salary in West Virginia
The medical coder salary in West Virginia is around $47,360 per year at the median. Healthcare is an important employer in the state, and medical coding workers can find positions with hospitals and medical practices.
For people entering the profession, the first job may not pay the state median. Building experience and obtaining professional certification can help a coder move toward better-paying positions.
Medical Coder Salary in Wisconsin
The median medical coder salary in Wisconsin is approximately $60,280 per year. Wisconsin is one of the better-paying states for this occupation.
The state has hospitals, healthcare systems and physician practices that require accurate medical records and coding. A certified and experienced coder may have stronger employment options than someone just entering the field.
Medical Coder Salary in Wyoming
The medical coder salary in Wyoming is around $54,210 per year at the median. Wyoming has a smaller population, but healthcare organizations still need workers to manage patient records and coding information.
Medical coding can be especially useful for people who want a healthcare career without direct clinical duties. Remote opportunities may also expand the number of jobs available to qualified workers.
Medical Coder Salary Per Hour
The medical coder salary per hour is around $24.59 per hour at the national median based on May 2025 BLS data. This is a median figure, so some coders earn less and others earn significantly more.
An entry-level medical coder usually earns less than an experienced professional. Hourly pay can increase with certification, years of experience, specialty coding knowledge and location.
- National median hourly pay: about $24.59
- Entry-level pay can be lower
- Experienced coders can earn more
- Location has a major effect on hourly wages
- Certification may improve job opportunities
Medical Coder Salary Per Month
Based on the national median annual salary of $51,140, the medical coder salary per month works out to roughly $4,262 per month before taxes. This is only a simple annual-to-monthly calculation and actual monthly income depends on the employee's pay schedule, overtime, bonuses and other compensation.
For example, a new medical coder earning below the national median may take home less than this amount, while an experienced coder earning above the median can make considerably more.
Entry Level Medical Coder Salary
The entry level medical coder salary is normally lower than the national median because new workers have little or no professional experience. Starting pay can also change based on state, employer, education and certification.
An entry-level coder may begin by handling basic medical records and coding tasks. As the worker becomes more familiar with medical terminology, ICD codes, CPT codes and healthcare documentation, they can take on more complex work.
- Learn medical terminology
- Understand ICD and CPT coding systems
- Build practical coding experience
- Consider professional certification
- Apply for hospital and healthcare organization positions
Certified Medical Coder Salary
A certified medical coder salary can be higher than the pay of some workers without certification, but certification does not guarantee a specific salary. Employers can have different requirements and salary ranges.
Certifications such as CPC can show that a worker has professional knowledge of medical coding. Certification can be particularly useful for people trying to move from entry-level work into professional coding positions.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary
People often search for medical billing and coding salary because billing and coding are closely related healthcare administration careers. However, the actual job duties and salary can be different depending on the position.
Medical coders mainly focus on assigning accurate codes to diagnoses, procedures and other healthcare services. Medical billing workers generally focus more on claims, payments and reimbursement processes. Some employers combine both duties into one position.
Experienced Medical Coder Salary
An experienced medical coder salary can be considerably higher than entry-level pay. Experience becomes especially valuable when a coder can handle difficult records, specialized coding, audits or complex healthcare documentation.
Experienced professionals may also move into roles such as coding auditor, coding specialist, compliance-related work or health information management. These career moves can provide additional salary growth beyond basic medical coding.
Remote Medical Coder Salary
A remote medical coder salary is not automatically higher or lower than office-based coding pay. Remote workers can have the same salary structure as other employees when they perform the same job, but compensation depends on the employer, location, experience and job level.
Medical coding is suitable for remote work because much of the job involves reviewing electronic health records and entering coding information using a computer. However, remote jobs can have specific requirements such as certification, previous experience, secure internet access and employer-approved equipment.
What Does a Medical Coder Do?
A medical coder reviews patient medical records and converts information about diagnoses, procedures and healthcare services into standardized medical codes. These codes are important for medical billing, insurance claims, healthcare records and data management.
The job requires careful attention because the coder needs to use the documentation correctly rather than simply guessing a code. Medical coders normally spend many hours working at a computer.
- Review patient medical records
- Identify diagnoses and procedures
- Assign appropriate medical codes
- Check documentation for accuracy
- Work with electronic health records
- Support billing and insurance claim processes
How Much Does a Medical Coder Make a Year?
So, how much does a medical coder make a year? The national median for the BLS Medical Records Specialists occupation was $51,140 per year in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,000, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,150.
These numbers show why there is not one fixed medical coder salary. A new worker may be near the lower end, while an experienced professional in a higher-paying state or specialized position can earn considerably more.
Is Medical Coding a Good Career?
Is medical coding a good career? For people who like healthcare, computers and detailed administrative work, it can be a practical career option. It does not involve the same direct patient-care responsibilities as nursing or many clinical healthcare jobs.
The education requirement is also relatively accessible. BLS says medical records specialists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary nondegree award, although requirements can vary and some workers have higher education. Certification may be required or preferred by some employers.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
The medical coder job outlook is positive. The BLS projects employment for medical records specialists to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. BLS also projects about 14,000 openings per year on average during that period.
One reason for continued demand is the growing need for healthcare services and electronic health information. As healthcare organizations continue using digital records, trained workers are needed to maintain and manage accurate medical information.
What Affects Medical Coder Salary?
There are several things that can change a medical coder's salary. Two coders doing similar work may earn different amounts because they live in different states or have different experience levels.
- Location: Salary can be much different from one state to another.
- Experience: Experienced coders usually have more opportunities than beginners.
- Certification: Professional certification can help with career advancement.
- Employer: Hospitals, physician offices and other organizations can have different pay levels.
- Specialization: Complex or specialized coding knowledge can create additional opportunities.
- Education: Additional education can support advancement into broader health information careers.
Final Thoughts on Medical Coder Salary in the USA
The medical coder salary in the USA is around $51,140 per year at the national median, or approximately $24.59 per hour, based on May 2025 BLS data for Medical Records Specialists. Salary changes by state, experience, certification and employer, with some states offering much higher median wages than others.
Medical coding can be a useful entry point into the healthcare industry for people who prefer computer-based work instead of direct patient care. Entry-level workers may start at a lower salary, but experience, certification and specialized knowledge can improve long-term earning potential.
For anyone comparing healthcare careers, the salary should not be the only factor. Job availability, cost of living, certification requirements, remote work options and long-term career growth are also important when deciding whether medical coding is the right career choice.
Source
Salary and occupational information in this article is based primarily on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for Medical Records Specialists. Medical coders are covered within the Medical Records Specialists occupational group.