Medical Billing and Coding Salary in the United States

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that on average, $48,780 is the median medical billing and rendering payment per year or $23.45 per hour but there are many factors that determine how much one would earn. Did you know that the medical billers and coders in Washington D.C., get an annual payment of $70,900 which is among the highest in the country?

Medical Billing and Coding Salary Per Hour

Employment in medical billing and rendering salaries for medical coders or medical billing professionals differ based on numerous factors including specialization, skill set, location, job type, and experience. Considering these differences, the BLS reported that median pay in 2023 for medical records and health information specialists was $48,780 annually, which translates to $ 23.45 per hour. 

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How Does Certification Help?

In terms of the AAPC report, certified coders earn 17.7 percent more as compared to non-certified coders. This companion will look into medical billing rendering payment factors with regards to average payment in every state, highest paying metropolises and also payment difference between medical coders and billers according to their respective place of work.

Highest Paying Cities for Medical  Billers and Coders

Salaries vary according to city in the United States. As per the BLS, five major areas report the highest mean salaries which are given below. 

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Medical Billing and Medical Coding Salaries by Workplace

Additionally, medical billers and coders salary is also determined by workplace they’re a part of. For instance, large corporations pay more than small physician clinics. 

Another influencing factor is that larger health services reimburse with high class benefits and attractive salary packages. The employee could choose to work with in the system’s physical location or else they could travel. These days telecommuting is a fast growing option. The main reason for this is growth and innovation of the telehealth system and technologies. 

In this article, we list out the recent salary trends as per AAPC which provides the average annual salary for common medical billing and coding workplace: 

Health System – $59,129

Large Group Practice (50+ physicians) – $56,548

Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient – $56,477

Medium Group Practice (11-49 physicians) – $50,896

Solo Practice/Small Group Practice (1-10 physicians) – $50,709

How Can Medical Coders or Billers Increase Their Salary?

One sureshot way is to change location and health organization for an improved reimbursement. Some other factors include: 

1) Upgrading Certifications and Credentials 

Credentials and certifications add on to your resume. Seasoned professionals pursuing this level of validation in their respective field ensure the employer that they can confidently prove their expertise and accuracy in the field. You can browse from the many paid as well as free online certification programs which will go a long way. 

According to the AAPC report, an average coder receives a boost up to 3%. On the other hand, experts who earned Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) bagged over 7.67% increase in salary. 

2) Gaining Higher Experience

There is an increase in the annual salary due to an increase in the number of years of experience gained. As per a study conducted by Payscale, the average medical biller and coder salary is $50,147 or $21.26 per hour. The various scales as per years of experience are given below:

• For beginners or freshers with less than one year of experience the average annual  income is $40,589 annual income
• An income of $45,903 annual income for those with 1 to 4 years of experience. 
• For those between 5 to 9 years of experience, a salary of $53,591
• With a higher experience of 10 to 19 years the average income rose to $55,872 annual income
• An income of $58,019 annual income for those with 20 years of experience 

Fact: Medical coders and billers is a profession that’s quick to enter. There is progress according to higher education and added certifications in certain areas. 

3) Building on your education

Attending college, or university-level classes is a sure way to add to your salary. With a good education, there’ll be a 2.7% increase in your annual salary. 

Note: Graduates will not earn more than their Master’s level colleagues. When compared to school-level peers, a bachelor’s degree will boost your earning capacity up to 10%. 

Conclusion

Medical Billers and coders’ salaries is affected by three main factors which are a number of years of experience gained; level of education pursued; and certifications and credentials earned. These are factors that’ll make your resume stand out. 

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