Average Medical Coding Salaries

As a worker in the medical coding profession, you can expect to take home a healthy salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records and health information technicians will earn between $19,000 and $45,000. However, your actual salary will depend on a number of different factors, including the setting in which you choose to work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports median salaries for the following locations:

  • General medical and surgical hospitals: $29,400
  • Nursing care facilities: $28,410
  • Outpatient care centers: $26.680
  • Offices of physicians: $24,170

Here are a few more factors to consider when calculating your potential salary as a medical coder:

  • Your experience: PayScale.com reports that as you gain more experience in the medical coding field, you will earn a higher salary. For example, medical coders with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn around $33,567, while those who have been working 10-19 years generally earn an average of $42,327. In addition to time, you can improve your experience by taking on internships and additional opportunities for work.
  • Your location: The cost of living in your area will greatly affect the actual salary that you take home as a medical coder, as salaries are often adjusted to fit the needs of the people living within the area. Additionally, the supply and demand of medical coders in your area will make a difference. Living in a city that has a large medical community or a lot of hospitals will increase the need for qualified medical coders and make your services more valuable.
  • Your education: Finally, your educational level will influence your salary as well. As you earn more educational credentials in the field of medical coding, you will find that you are offered better opportunities and a higher salary, so it’s always a good idea to pursue additional training and education.

With all of these factors in mind, you can consider how much you can potentially earn as a medical coder, and keep in mind what you can do to increase your level of earning.