how much does medical billing and coding pay
Most medical billing and coding jobs in the U.S. currently pay around the low–mid $40Ks to low $60Ks per year, with experienced and certified coders often reaching $65K–$80K+ in higher‑paying roles or states.
Typical pay ranges
- Average overall salary: about $42K–$50K per year, or roughly $20–$24 per hour for medical billers and coders as a group.
- Entry‑level (0–1 year): often $32K–$40K per year; many new hires land near $35K–$42K once certified.
- Mid‑career (5–9 years): commonly in the $55K–$65K range, depending on role and region.
- Top earners / high‑demand markets: can exceed $70K–$75K+, especially with advanced credentials or in high‑cost states.
Pay by experience (snapshot)
| Experience level | Typical annual pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | \$32,000–\$40,000 | Often closer to \$35K–\$42K with certification. | [3][7]
| 2–4 years | ≈\$50,000–\$53,000 | Junior level; more stable productivity and accuracy. | [7]
| 5–9 years | ≈\$60,000 | Mid‑level coder or biller, often with at least one major credential. | [7]
| 10–15 years | ≈\$68,000 | Senior specialist, lead, or auditor track. | [7]
| 20+ years | \$73,000–\$83,000+ | Highly experienced, often in senior, lead, or specialized roles. | [7]
Certification and specialty impact
- Core certifications (CPC, COC, CPB, etc.) are associated with average salaries in roughly the mid‑$60Ks (for example, CPC around $66K, CPB around $64K).
- Inpatient and specialty credentials (like CIC or CRC) can push averages into the high $70Ks.
- Moving into inpatient facility coding, risk‑adjustment, or complex outpatient surgery coding tends to raise pay versus basic office billing roles.
Hourly perspective
- Reported average hourly pay sits near $21–$24 for many billers/coders, with new workers closer to $19–$21 and seasoned staff in the mid‑$20s per hour.
- Remote roles may pay about 5–10% less than on‑site positions, but many people feel the saved commute and flexibility balance that out.
Quick trend notes for 2025–2026
- Recent salary surveys show gradual year‑over‑year increases (often 3–6% depending on credential), suggesting slow but steady wage growth.
- Demand is supported by an aging population, ongoing claims complexity, and the shift to remote coding teams.
Bottom line: if you’re just starting, expecting around mid $30Ks to very low $40Ks is reasonable, and with 3–5 years, a certification, and maybe a specialty focus, moving into the $55K–$65K band is realistic in many markets.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.