Medical billing and coding specialists use coding systems to manage billing, insurance reimbursement, medical records, and patient information for electronic health records. Applicants for these positions are usually required to have a university degreeMedical billing and coding certificateFor employment.
This guide focuses on medical billing and encoded payroll information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources. Readers can explore salaries by job type, location, and salary growth forecast.
Quick facts about medical billing and coding experts
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The average salary range for popular medical billing and coding jobs is $40,000 to $102,000. -
Certified medical coders earn 27% more than those without certification. -
The average salary for medical coding and billing specialists in the US Pacific region is higher than other regions.
Those:American Academy for Professional Programmers;salary network
Featured Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Average Salary for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
While candidates with a post-secondary degree or a high school degree can work in medical billing and coding, those interested are interestedBecome an expert in medical billing and codingA degree can lead to higher salaries. TheAmerican Academy for Professional Programmers(AAPC) reports that the average salary for medical programmers with a master's degree or higher is just under $70,000. The average annual salary for a non-college medical programmer is just over $50,000.
The table below lists the current hourly wages for each level of study and without college education.
25,12 $
no university
25,81 $
Associate Degree/Certification
26,74 $
Bachelor degree
Those:AAPC
Impact of COVID-19 on Salary and Employment of Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Sea of TacticsDespite an increase in hospital admissions, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 16.5% decline in healthcare in 2020. However, medical billing and coding specialist jobs fell just 6 percent, while certification jobs fell just 2 percent.
While salaries for medical billers and programmers fell by nearly 3% on average, average salaries for billers and programmers increased in 16 states.
Still medical billers and programmersFace the challengeDuring the epidemic. These issues include transitioning to a remote workplace, adapting to new COVID-19 coding andtelemedicine servicesand cope with a surge in insurance claim denials.
Medical billing and salary coding by job title
As shown below, Medical Coding and Billing specialization areas affect salary. Compensation for these common positions starts at the low end of the accounting clerk and increases significantly for management.
What salary increases can medical billing and coding specialists expect?
AAPC tracks changes in medical billing and payment coding based on accreditation, practice environment and clinical focus area. Experience and the level of training also play a decisive role in remuneration.
The information below shows the impact of certification on medical billing and coding of salaries.
Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Top Paid States for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists 2021
Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe states with the highest annual medical billing and coding salaries are listed in the table below. A community's size and economic health affect pay rates, such as the top-ranked District of Columbia.
Geographic location and cost of living can also affect wage levels. Mississippi and Arkansas, for example, have lower average medical billing and coding wages, but are also among the highest in the country.The 10 cheapest states。
| Condition | average salary |
|---|---|
| New York | 92.200 $ |
| Maryland | 87.750 $ |
| California | 86.830 $ |
| District of Columbia | 82.740 $ |
| Massachusetts | 74.680 $ |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
The city where medical billing and coding specialists are based also affects their income, data from the U.S. However, Bureau of Labor Statistics show that income is highest in all but the largest urban areas.
As the table below shows, metropolitan areas have the highest average incomes for accountants and programmers. Greater New York City, for example, tops the list.
| City | average salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 72.490 $ |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 58.330 $ |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (Illinois-Wisconsin) | 46.980 $ |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 82.660 $ |
| Kansas City, MO – Kansas | 59.180 $ |
Highest Paying Jobs for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Medical bills and coding salaries also vary by workplace environment. The AAPC statistics in the table below show that larger employers, such as health care systems, may offer higher wages. Hospitals and large medical practices also pay higher wages.
| workplace environment | average salary |
|---|---|
| healthcare system | 57.860 $ |
| Hospital inpatient and outpatient | 55.440 $ |
| Large group practice (50+ doctors) | 54.970 $ |
| hospital inpatient | 53.610 $ |
| Ambulatory in the hospital | 50.540 $ |
How Does a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary Compare to Similar Jobs?
With the exception of medical and health servicesManagers, medical billers and programmersTypically earns more than people in similar jobs, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Billing and coding professionals with certifications, expertise, and higher education can earn even more.
4 Ways to Increase Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary
Laut May 2021Lohndaten des U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe top 10 percent of health information technicians and medical registrars earned $98,490, while the bottom 10 percent earned $29,680. Several factors contribute to these differences, including certification, level of education, and length and type of work experience.
This section is about how medical billers and programmers can increase their salaries. Readers can also exploreAAPC Recommendationshow to start
1.Consider certification
Certification requires a higher level of knowledge and skills. According to the AAPC, non-certified accountants and programmers earn 27% less than their certified counterparts for the same jobs. Candidates must pass for initial certificationCertified Professional BillerorCertified professional programmertake an exam.
2.improve education
Earning a degree can also increase medical bills and salaries. The AAPC reports that health information professionals with a master's degree (or higher) earn more than 29 percent more than certified programmers without a college degree.
3.Gain experience in management positions
Medical programmers in senior positions such as management and supervision typically benefit from long careers and higher salaries. AACP OfferingsCertified practice managerCertification that can lead to higher-paying managerial positions. TheBericht des U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMedical and health services managers earn an average annual salary of $101,340.
4.Toggle workstation settings
The AAPC reports that large healthcare systems pay their medical billing and coding specialists nearly 19 percent more than small group or individual doctor practices. However, most healthcare systems have 3-10 hospitals and other facilities. Job seekers can learn about medical billing and codingAAPC Job OpportunitiesWages, including salaries in major healthcare systems.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary
How much do medical billers and programmers make per hour?
While hourly rates vary based on seniority, education, experience and location,Liste des U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe average hourly wage is $26.71. The bottom 10% made $14.27 and the top 10% made $47.35. These numbers reflect data through May 2021.
What is the maximum salary for medical billing and coding?
In terms of jobs, large healthcare systems pay the most for medical billers and programmers, with an average salary of $57,860. The average salary of a certified professional compliance officer is $80,550, showing that certification can significantly increase salaries. Pacific (Alaska, Washington, Oregon andCalifornia) earn an average of $62,810 per year.
Which Medical Coding Jobs Are Best Paying?
Certified professional compliance officers earn an average annual salary of $77,190, followed by certified professional programmers/teachers at $73,620. Certified Ambulatory Document Specialists also earn an average annual salary in excess of $70,000.
Do medical billers work from home?
TheAAPC surveyResearch has shown that more than 70% of healthcare professionals work some or all from home. Although this percentage may be due to the pandemic, employers have created an ongoing trend toward working from home in recent years.