What Is the Salary for Someone with a Health Coding Certification?

<p>According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), there are several different certifications, including certifications for coding associates, professionals and specialists working in different health care facilities (<i>www.aapc.com</i>). Different certification levels, location and experience all affect average salaries. <i>PayScale.com</i> reported that most medical coders in general earned between $31,000 and $65,000 in January 2023. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Integrity, detail-oriented, technical, and interpersonal skills</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Medical receptionist, office manager, medical office assistant</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Hospitals and physicians' offices; typically full-time, sometimes during the evening and overnight</td></tr> <tr><td> Required Education </td><td> Coursework in medical terminology, health data requirements, healthcare statistics, and computer systems; some employers may require an associate's degree</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---AverageSalariesByLocation">Average Salaries by Location</h3> <p>Your salary will be determined, in part, by your location. Some areas, such as the West Coast and Northeast, tend to pay higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records and health information technicians, including medical coders in the following locations had the following average salaries in May 2021 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>): </p> <ul><li>California - $57,950 </li><li>Texas - $44,470 </li><li>Florida - $44,930 </li><li>Ohio - $46,340 </li><li>New York - $55,350 </li></ul><h3 id="section---AverageSalariesByTypeOfCertification">Average Salaries by Type of Certification</h3> <p>Another factor that often determines salary is the type of certification you hold. For example, an individual with an entry-level credential (CCA - Certified Coding Associate) earns less than an individual with a master-level credential, either CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist - Physician Office) or CCS (Certified Coding Specialist). Sample average salaries by certification as of 2020 were reported by the AAPC: </p> <ul><li>Certified Professional Coder (CPC) - $55,906 </li><li>Certified Professional Biller (CPB) - $54,076 </li><li>Certified Professional Practice Manager (CPPM) - $68,056 </li><li>Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) - $76,422 </li><li>Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) - $67,815 </li></ul><h3 id="section---AverageSalariesByIndustry">Average Salaries by Industry</h3> <p>Your salary will also be determined in part by the industry in which you work. In May 2021, the BLS reported mean salaries for various industries employing medical records and health information technicians, including medical coders. Some sample industries and average salaries are as follows: </p> <ul><li>General hospitals - $51,120 </li><li>Outpatient care centers - $47,730 </li><li>Physicians' offices - $40,540 </li><li>Insurance carriers - $64,170 </li><li>Office administrative services - $49,360 </li></ul><h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3> <p>According to the BLS, medical records and health information technician employment is expected to grow by 7% from 2021-2031. As of 2021, there were 186,400 of these professionals employed. The BLS expects 12,300 new positions by 2031, which would result in a projected employment of 198,700 at that time. This much-faster-than-average job growth is due to an aging population needing health services, the BLS reports, along with the need for professionals to work with electronic medical records. The BLS notes that gaining certification will help your job prospects.</p>