Is medical coding good money?

Asked by: Prof. Armani Thiel V  |  Last update: February 12, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)

Earn a great salary A survey conducted by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) found that certified professionals earn an average of $55,923 per year. And according to this AAPC survey, earning additional certifications will only increase your salary potential.

Can I make good money as a medical coder?

It is possible to make over $100000 a year in the medical coding field. I know plenty of seasoned coders in DRG validation, auditing, revenue cycle senior management, consulting, education, and high-dollar specialties that earn over six figures annually. It's not going to be easy, and it will take time to develop.

Is medical coder a good career?

Medical coding is indeed a promising career path, especially in today's healthcare landscape where the demand for efficient and accurate medical record-keeping is high. Growing Demand: The healthcare industry is expanding globally, and with it, the need for medical coders is on the rise.

Can you live off being a medical coder?

Medical coding can be a viable work-from-home career option, and it has the potential to support a family, but the degree of lucrativeness depends on several factors: Experience and Certification: Certified medical coders typically earn more than those without certification.

Are medical coders in high demand?

Medical billers and coders are in high demand

Medical billing and coding jobs are rising and are expected to grow 8% through 2029. This is double the national average job growth, according to the BLS. It estimates that an additional 29,000 new medical billing and coding jobs will be opened in the next eight years.

Is Medical Coding a Good Career?

25 related questions found

Is it hard to get hired as a medical coder?

Once you've completed your training in medical billing and coding, it's time to venture out into the job market. A word of warning: because medical billing and coding is expanding so rapidly, many young coders often find the job market saturated. It can be tough to get a coding or billing job right away.

What is the downside of medical coding?

You may find the work repetitive.

Medical billing and coding can be mundane. You may enter the same patient details into different systems multiple times during the day. Although there would be other work, most of your days will be spent on the computer doing repetitive tasks.

Can a medical coder work from home?

Medical coders and billers are a crucial part of the industry, and their roles can be performed virtually anywhere, making it an attractive opportunity for many who are looking for a job where they can work from home.

Is a medical coding exam hard?

There's no doubt about it, the CPC® exam is tough. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC® Exam on the first try. That means that half of all test-takers need a second shot at passing. Who wants to take this test more than once?

What pays more, medical billing or coding?

In general, medical coders typically earn more than billers.

What hours do medical coders work?

Medical coders in a clinic or physician's office may work regular office hours, typically from 8 am to 5 pm. They may also be required to work additional hours to catch up on coding work if there is a backlog.

What is the hardest part of being a medical coder?

Medical coding is challenging due to the complexity of medical terminology, procedures, and diagnosis codes. The sheer volume of codes and constant updates to coding guidelines make accuracy critical but difficult to maintain.

Does being a coder pay well?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying states for computer programmers include: Washington ($158,520) California ($124,660)

Do medical coders make more money than nurses?

Average Salary for RN Coders

RN coders earn an average annual salary of $84,699, or $41 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. RN coder salaries are comparable to clinical nurse salaries and are typically higher than other coding and billing salaries.

How long does it take to become a coder and biller?

How Long Does It Take To Become a Medical Biller and Coder? In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

How much can you make with a coding certificate?

Salary range for medical billing and coding in California

The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in California typically spans from $38,530 to $99,800 per year.

Is medical coding a lot of math?

In conclusion, while a basic grasp of math is helpful, it's not a decisive factor in becoming proficient in medical coding. The emphasis lies more on analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of coding systems and guidelines.

How much does it cost to get CPC certified?

To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. The cost of the CPC exam is $399 for one attempt, or $499 for two exam attempts.

How fast can I learn medical coding?

AAPC medical coding classes take place entirely online and can be completed in four months or less. Students who prefer learning in a formal classroom setting may be able to find an AAPC course in their area. These classes benefit students with a strong knowledge of topics, such as anatomy and medical terminology.

How much is a medical coding certificate?

How much do online medical coding classes cost? AAPC packages range from $2295 to $3095, giving students the best education at the best value compared to colleges that charge between $10,000 and $19,500 for medical coding training.

Do medical coders talk on the phone?

Although medical coders work behind the scenes and interact directly with healthcare providers and insurance companies, they have to interact with patients. Hence, the answer to your question, “do medical coders have to talk on the phone?” is yes.

What is an example of medical coding?

In this case, the diagnosis and procedures might be coded like this: Diagnosis: The doctor suspects the patient is suffering from migraines. The ICD-10 code for migraines is "G43. 909" which stands for "Migraine, unspecified, not intractable, without status migrainosus".

What medical coder gets paid the most?

High Paying Medical Coder Jobs
  • Coding Director. Salary range: $44,500-$122,000 per year. ...
  • Coding and Reimbursement Specialist. Salary range: $59,000-$97,000 per year. ...
  • Coding Manager. Salary range: $52,000-$83,000 per year. ...
  • Medical Coding Auditor. ...
  • Hospital Coder. ...
  • Coding Compliance Specialist. ...
  • Coder. ...
  • Medical Coding Manager.

Is there a shortage of medical coders?

Unfortunately, the lack of medical coders may only worsen. By 2033, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for medical coders and other medical records specialists will grow nine percent which is much faster than average for all occupations. That's about 15,000 openings each year.