Medical Billing & Coding Salary
Medical billing and coding salary ranges are wider than most similar occupations, due to the number of factors that can influence medical billing and coding salary. Since medical billing and medical coding have such technical job descriptions and are in such great demand, salary ranges can be somewhat higher than other medical support occupations. However, medical billing and coding salary is still subject to the same geographical and economic factors that affect other jobs’ salary ranges.
How Much do Medical Billers and Coders Make?
The national average medical billing and coding salary is around $17 per hour, or around $35,920 annually. The lowest salary earners make around $10 per hour, or around $21 annually.
Medical billing and coding salary varies by state and by city, however. A medical billing specialist in Los Angeles may earn between $25,000 and $38,000 annually, while in Birmingham they may earn between $18,000 and $29,000 annually.
Another factor that affects medical billing and coding salary is medical specialty. Medical billing and coding professionals who specialize in areas such as neuropsychiatry or rheumatology typically earn more than medical billers and medical coders who do not specialize. Medical billing and coding certification is another factor that can impact medical billing and coding salary, since certification allows medical billers and medical coders to earn higher wages.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State
How much medical billers and coders make can vary widely from state to state. Here are the highest-paying states for medical billing and coding salary.
| State | Average Hourly Wage | Average Salary | Minimal Hourly Wage | Minimal Salary |
| New Jersey | $24.93 | $51,850 | $15.66 | $32,580 |
| Hawaii | $20.33 | $42,290 | $14.10 | $29,320 |
| Massachusetts | $20.05 | $41,700 | $12.35 | $25,680 |
| Alaska | $19.66 | $40,900 | $13.74 | $28,590 |
| Connecticut | $19.61 | $40,790 | $12.78 | $26,590 |
For a view of all US states, see Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by City
City of residence can also have a wide impact on how much medical billers and coders make. Factors like local economy, living costs, and population density all impact medical billing and coding salary. Here are the highest-paying cities for medical billing salary and medical coding salary.
| City | Average Hourly Wage | Average Salary | Minimal Hourly Wage | Minimal Salary |
| Newark, NJ | $27.45 | $57,090 | $15.97 | $33,220 |
| San Francisco, CA | $23.01 | $47,860 | $12.90 | $26,830 |
| Honolulu HI | $21.07 | $43,830 | $14.93 | $31,050 |
| New York, NY | $20.82 | $43,300 | $14.89 | $30,960 |
| Denver, CO | $20.61 | $42,860 | $12.65 | $26,310 |
For a larger list of medical billing and coding salaries by city, see Medical Billing and Coding Salary by City.
Different Salaries for Different Medical Billing and Coding Settings
Whether a medical billing or medical coder works in a large institution such as a hospital or a small private practice will also determine salary. Practicing medical billing and coding from home can put a medical coder’s salary at either end of the spectrum in terms of earning potential. An experienced, self-employed medical coder who dedicates time and effort to the business will earn a higher salary than a medical coder who uses it as a simple side project.
For more information on medical billing and coding, see a general medical billing and coding job description, read about medical billing and coding certification, or find out about medical billing and coding training.
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics