Pay potential in medical billing and coding
Medical billing and coding, representing two different aspects of the healthcare revenue cycle, encompass a broad collection of roles in medical records.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records specialists (including medical coders) earn an average salary of $48,310 per year ($23.23 per hour).* Billing and posting clerks who work in doctor’s offices earn an average of $41,610 per year, while those who work in hospitals earn slightly more at $43,290 per year on average.
By developing a strong educational foundation in both medical billing and medical coding, you can position yourself best to qualify for a wider selection of entry-level jobs and potentially compete for higher-paying positions as a medical records specialist.
Average medical records specialist salary by state
| State | Per hour | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $19.24 | $40,020 |
| Alaska | $26.22 | $54,540 |
| Arizona | $21.21 | $44,120 |
| Arkansas | $18.84 | $39,190 |
| California | $27.86 | $57,950 |
| Colorado | $24.48 | $50,920 |
| Connecticut | $27.64 | $57,480 |
| Delaware | $22.11 | $46,000 |
| District of Columbia | $30.42 | $63,270 |
| Florida | $21.60 | $44,930 |
| Georgia | $21.50 | $44,720 |
| Hawaii | $26.45 | $55,010 |
| Idaho | $21.83 | $45,400 |
| Illinois | $23.52 | $48,920 |
| Indiana | $22.18 | $46,140 |
| Iowa | $21.43 | $44,570 |
| Kansas | $21.05 | $43,780 |
| Kentucky | $20.86 | $43,390 |
| Louisiana | $20.68 | $43,020 |
| Maine | $19.77 | $41,120 |
| Maryland | $26.52 | $55,170 |
| Massachusetts | $28.34 | $58,950 |
| Michigan | $20.97 | $43,610 |
| Minnesota | $26.37 | $54,860 |
| Mississippi | $18.27 | $37,990 |
| Missouri | $22.59 | $46,990 |
| Montana | $21.78 | $45,300 |
| Nebraska | $21.01 | $43,690 |
| Nevada | $20.09 | $41,790 |
| New Hampshire | $21.05 | $43,790 |
| New Jersey | $32.28 | $67,130 |
| New Mexico | $20.93 | $43,530 |
| New York | $26.61 | $55,350 |
| North Carolina | $21.13 | $43,950 |
| North Dakota | $23.52 | $48,930 |
| Ohio | $22.28 | $46,340 |
| Oklahoma | $21.16 | $44,010 |
| Oregon | $25.24 | $52,490 |
| Pennsylvania | $23.23 | $48,310 |
| Rhode Island | $24.77 | $51,520 |
| South Carolina | $22.15 | $46,070 |
| South Dakota | $22.68 | $47,160 |
| Tennessee | $21.36 | $44,440 |
| Texas | $21.38 | $44,470 |
| Utah | $23.00 | $47,830 |
| Vermont | $21.68 | $45,090 |
| Virginia | $24.51 | $50,980 |
| Washington | $26.44 | $54,980 |
| West Virginia | $19.83 | $41,250 |
| Wisconsin | $24.93 | $51,860 |
| Wyoming | $23.38 | $48,620 |
| All state salary data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* | ||
How to increase pay potential: get certified1
You can potentially earn more in the field by earning certification. Our billing and coding curriculums provide preparation for top industry certifications, including:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The AAPC’s 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report shows certified medical records specialists earn 17.7% more than those without certification. Here’s a sample of median incomes in the field broken down by certification earned:
| Certification | Median Income |
|---|---|
| Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | $58,895 |
| Certified Professional Biller (CPB)i | $56,981 |
| Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)i | $58,730 |
| Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)i | $64,267 |
iPreparation for these specific certification exams is not part of our curriculums. But your training can help you qualify for certifications in areas of your choosing. | |
Diploma and degree program options
We offer both diploma and associate degree options (100% online classes) in the field of medical billing and coding to cater your education to the job you want to get:
- Program length: 10 months
- Classes: View the curriculum
- Credential earned: Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
- Program length: 10 months
- Classes: View the curriculum
- Credential earned: Diploma in Medical Coding
- Program length: 20 months
- Classes: View the curriculum
- Credential earned: Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
- Program length: 20 months
- Classes: View the curriculum
- Credential earned: Associate of Science/Applied Science in Medical Coding
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t always a firm requirement for license or certification, and there are no state requirements. Requirements will vary by employer. However, earning certification to become a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) can help you earn an edge over the competition and get the job you really want.
Yes!
The Herzing University Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist program features 100% online coursework with an optional internship or search project.
Yes, and demand continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical records specialists is expected to rise 7% from 2021-2031.* This would represent an additional 12,300 jobs.
Medical coders translate the care provided to a patient into codes a computer system can understand. Coders categorize both diagnoses and procedures performed to convert a story of medical treatment into concise codes used for determining the cost of care.
Coders must work closely with physicians, billers and other healthcare personnel to ensure costs are distributed appropriately and claims are filed correctly. Accurate coding helps the business of healthcare run much more smoothly.
With enough experience in the field, many medical billers may find jobs with the option to work from home. However, it can be difficult to find entry-level work-from-home positions. Expect to work your way towards qualifying for these competitive positions after graduating with a degree or diploma.
As a medical insurance billing specialist, you can typically expect a 40-hour work week in an office environment such as a healthcare facility or agency setting. Full-time Medical Insurance Billing Specialists may receive a comprehensive benefit package that includes health insurance, paid vacation, and a retirement savings plan such as profit-sharing or 401(k). Some employers have part-time opportunities available as well.
Inpatient coding refers to a diagnosis report for patients who require hospitalization and must be admitted for an extended stay. Inpatient coding uses Internal Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) coding systems.
Outpatient coding refers to reports outlining services for patients who aren’t required to be hospitalized, typically those who are released within 24 hours. Outpatient coding uses Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding systems.
Inpatient and outpatient coding also deal with unique payment and reimbursement systems you will need to be familiar with.
You may learn inpatient and/or outpatient coding depending on whether you choose the associate degree or diploma path.
Herzing University offers several undergraduate healthcare degree and diploma options that you may earn online, in addition to medical coding and billing:
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Administration - Associate, Bachelor's
- Health Information Management - Associate, Bachelor's
- Medical Office Administration - Diploma, Associate
- Medical Assisting - Diploma, Associate
Each program is positioned uniquely to build a foundation for you to pursue the type of job in healthcare you’re looking for—whether it’s directly caring for patients, focusing on day-to-day administrative tasks or leading the way in a managerial role.
With Herzing University, earning an education takes less than 2 years: on average, 10-20 months depending on the pathway you choose.
Our diploma-level pathway can be completed in as few as 10 months, while our associate degree pathway can take as few as 20 months to complete.
Your first step is to get educated. Enrolling in one of Herzing’s billing and coding program options will put you on track to graduate with the education you need in 10-20 months.
We are your lifelong learning partner—ready to help you take the first big step towards your new career in healthcare.
Take the first step
U.S. News and World Report ranked Medical Records Technician as the #4 best health care support job for 2023, bolstered by high ratings in job market, future growth, stress, and work-life balance.
It’s a great time to begin earning the education you need to compete for jobs in medical billing and coding and begin your new career. We exist to help make it possible.
Learn more about our medical billing and coding program options
1. Certification in this program is not a state specific requirement. Certification requirements and eligibility to apply for certification may vary.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2021. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
Classes Start July 10th
Learn More Today