Medical Billing and Coding Salary from November 2025: Hourly Rates,and How to Maximize Your Earnings
Published: 26 Oct 2025
How much does Medical Billing and Coding pay?,In the fast-paced world of healthcare, medical billing and coding professionals play a crucial role behind the scenes. They ensure that patient records are accurately translated into codes for insurance claims, helping providers get paid promptly and efficiently. If you’re considering a career in this field—or you’re already in it and wondering about growth opportunities—you’re likely curious about the medical billing and coding salary.
With healthcare evolving rapidly due to technology and policy changes, the medical coding and billing salary remains competitive, offering stability and potential for advancement. In this guide, we’ll break down the latest 2025 data on medical billing and coding salary per hour, national averages, regional variations, and expert tips to help you earn more. Drawing from trusted sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and scholarly research, this post aims to equip you with actionable insights for a rewarding career.
What Is Medical Billing and Coding? A Quick Overview on the salary of Medical Billers
Medical billing and coding involves two interconnected processes: coding assigns standardized codes (like ICD-10 for diagnoses and CPT for procedures) to patient encounters, while billing submits those claims to insurers for reimbursement. It’s a vital part of healthcare administration, preventing errors that could cost providers millions.
Why does this matter for your medical billing and coding salary? Accuracy in coding directly impacts revenue cycles, making skilled professionals indispensable. According to recent studies on evaluation and management (E&M) coding changes, professionals who stay updated on these shifts—like the 2021 updates—can command higher pay due to their expertise in reducing claim denials.
Entry into the field typically requires a postsecondary certificate or associate degree, often in health information technology. No prior nursing background? No problem—many start with online programs. For deeper knowledge, textbooks like Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies by Karen Smiley provide beginner-friendly explanations of HIPAA compliance and claim processing.
Education and Certification: The Foundation of Your Medical Coding and Billing Salary
To boost your medical coding and billing salary, focus on credentials. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) reports that certification is the top factor influencing earnings.
Popular options include:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC): Focuses on outpatient coding; median salary boost to $58,895.
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): Inpatient expertise; ideal for hospital roles.
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB): Billing-specific, enhancing claim submission skills.
Without certification, expect entry-level pay around $48,204 annually; with it, jump to $66,186.
Pair your cert with continuing education units (CEUs). Books like Fordney’s Medical Insurance by Linda Smith offer in-depth coverage of insurance policies, helping you navigate complex scenarios.
Average Medical Billing and Coding Salary in 2025
- So, what’s a realistic medical billing and coding salary in 2025? The BLS pegs the median annual wage for medical records specialists at $50,250 as of May 2024, with projections holding steady into 2025 amid steady demand.
- However, broader surveys paint a more nuanced picture:
- Entry-level: $30,000–$40,000 (ideal for new grads).Mid-level (5–10 years experience): $55,000–$70,000.
- Senior-level (10+ years): $70,000–$85,000+, with top earners exceeding $100,000 in specialized roles like compliance auditing.
The AAPC’s 2025 Salary Report shows certified professionals averaging $66,186, a 8% premium over non-certified peers. Indeed’s June 2025 data lists a national average of $42,442, but this dips lower for pure billing roles versus coding-heavy positions.
These figures reflect a field where experience pays off quickly. A Google Scholar analysis of reimbursement trends notes that coders adept at handling post-2021 E&M changes see salary uplifts due to reduced error rates.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary Per Hour: Breaking It Down
If you’re eyeing flexible or part-time gigs, the medical billing and coding salary per hour is a key metric.
The BLS reports a median of $24.16 per hour for full-time roles. Freelancers or contractors often charge $25–$35/hour, especially with platforms like Upwork.
Hourly rates vary by shift and setting:
- Hospitals: $23–$28/hour (high volume, inpatient focus).
- Outpatient clinics: $22–$26/hour.Remote coding: $26–$32/hour, boosted by no commute costs.
For context, non-certified hourly pay starts at $19.05, while certified hits $25+. In high-demand areas, expect $30/hour for specialists handling complex cases, as per AAPC data. Remember, overtime or bonus structures can add 10–15% to effective hourly earnings, particularly during open enrollment seasons when claims surge.
Factors Affecting Your Medical Coding and Billing Salary
Not all medical billing and coding salaries are created equal. Several elements influence your take-home pay:
- Certification and Education: As noted, certs add $5,000–$10,000 annually.
- Advanced degrees (e.g., RHIA) push toward $70,000+.6887f8Experience:
- First-year coders earn $48,204; veterans with 31+ years hit $83,544.
- Location: Urban hubs pay more due to cost of living (see state breakdown below).
- Employer Type: Hospitals offer stability ($55,000 avg.), while consulting firms provide bonuses.
- Specialization: Coding for surgery or radiology can increase pay by 15–20%, per industry trends.
Macroeconomic factors, like reimbursement cuts in radiation oncology, can indirectly pressure salaries—but skilled coders mitigate this through accuracy.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary by State in 2025
Regional differences are stark for medical billing and coding salary.
- High-cost states lead the pack:Washington: $64,250 (tech-savvy hubs like Seattle drive demand).
- District of Columbia: $62,000+ (policy-focused roles).California: $60,500 (diverse specialties).
- Lowest: Mississippi: $42,440 (rural settings).Full list highlights (BLS/AAPC 2025 data):
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding in 2025 and Beyond
The future looks bright for medical billing and coding careers. BLS projects 7% growth from 2024–2034, adding 14,200 jobs annually—much faster than the 3% national average. AAPC echoes 9% growth through 2033, fueled by aging populations and electronic health records (EHR) adoption.
Challenges? AI tools are automating routine tasks, but human oversight for compliance remains essential. A Google Scholar study on ED-ICU billing shows how integrated systems increase coding complexity, creating demand for experts. Overall, 15,000+ openings yearly mean job security.
Tips to Maximize Your Medical Billing and Coding Salary
Ready to level up your medical coding and billing salary? Here’s a roadmap
- Get Certified ASAP: Aim for CPC within your first year—expect a 10–30% raise.
- Specialize: Focus on high-demand areas like telehealth coding, where pay premiums reach 20%.
- Network: Join AAPC chapters for gigs; remote work can add $5,000 via flexibility.Stay Current:
- Read ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Coding Handbook annually for updates.
- Negotiate: Highlight your denial reduction stats—coders saving 5% on claims often snag bonuses.
- Upskill with Tech: Learn AI-assisted coding; it future-proofs your role.By implementing these, you could see your medical billing and coding salary per hour climb from $24 to $30+ within 2–3 years.
Conclusion
A medical billing and coding salary provides healthcare entry with medians at $50,250 and growth to $80,000+. The medical billing and coding salary per hour suits varied lifestyles, while stability draws long-haulers. Embrace certs, specialize, and adapt—your path to prosperity starts now.Inspired? Explore AAPC courses or local listings. Drop your goals below—what’s your move?
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
