Introduction
Medical coders are responsible for translating clinical documentation into diagnosis codes used for billing and insurance reimbursement. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the demand for qualified medical coders. So how much does a medical coder make? This article will explore the salaries of medical coders across the country and discuss the factors that can influence their pay.
What Factors Impact a Medical Coder’s Pay?
When it comes to determining how much a medical coder makes, there are several factors that come into play. These include:
Education
The amount of education a medical coder has can have a significant impact on their salary. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), coders with a certificate or diploma earned an average of $20.06 per hour, while those with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $27.50 per hour. Additionally, coders with a master’s degree earned an average of $32.68 per hour.
Experience
Experience is another major factor when it comes to determining a medical coder’s salary. The AAPC survey found that coders with one year of experience earned an average of $18.71 per hour, while coders with 10 years of experience earned an average of $25.30 per hour. Therefore, the more experience a coder has, the higher their salary will be.
Location
Where a medical coder works can also have an impact on their salary. For example, coders in California earn an average of $37.83 per hour, while coders in New York earn an average of $36.45 per hour. In contrast, coders in Alabama earn an average of $20.93 per hour.
Specialization
The type of medical coding a coder specializes in can also affect their salary. For instance, coders who specialize in medical billing and coding earn an average of $22.75 per hour, while coders who specialize in health information management earn an average of $24.84 per hour.
Certification
Finally, having the appropriate certification can increase a medical coder’s salary. The AAPC survey found that certified coders earned an average of $23.62 per hour, while non-certified coders earned an average of $19.52 per hour.
An Analysis of Average Medical Coder Salaries Across the Country
In order to better understand how much medical coders make, it is important to look at salaries by region. Here is a breakdown of average salaries for medical coders by state:
Regional Differences
Medical coders in the Northeast tend to make more than coders in other parts of the country. For instance, coders in New York earn an average of $36.45 per hour, while coders in Massachusetts earn an average of $35.48 per hour. In contrast, coders in the Midwest tend to make less, with coders in Illinois earning an average of $23.76 per hour and coders in Michigan earning an average of $23.33 per hour.
Salary Comparison Between States
Comparing salaries between states can also provide insights into how much medical coders make. For instance, coders in California earn an average of $37.83 per hour, while coders in Florida earn an average of $31.26 per hour. Additionally, coders in Texas earn an average of $27.08 per hour, while coders in Georgia earn an average of $26.02 per hour.
Comparison of Salaries for Experienced Medical Coders
It is also important to take into account the experience level of a medical coder when looking at salaries. The AAPC survey found that coders with 10 years of experience earned an average of $25.30 per hour, while coders with 20 years of experience earned an average of $29.03 per hour.
How Much Can You Expect to Make as a Medical Coder?
Based on the data from the AAPC survey, the average salary range for a medical coder is between $18.71 and $32.68 per hour. However, it is important to keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly depending on the factors discussed above.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Medical Coder?
In addition to the potential for a high salary, there are many other benefits to becoming a medical coder. These include job security, flexible working hours, and career advancement opportunities. According to Dr. John T. Finnell, President of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), “Medical coders are in high demand and have a bright future in health care.”
The Future of Medical Coding Salaries
Experts predict that medical coding salaries will continue to grow in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment of medical coders will grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029. Additionally, the BLS projects that coders with higher levels of education and experience will see the highest salary increases.
Conclusion
Overall, the salary of a medical coder can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including education, experience, location, specialization, and certification. While the average salary range is between $18.71 and $32.68 per hour, experienced coders can make significantly more. With the increasing demand for medical coders, salaries are expected to continue to grow in the future.
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