Medical Coding -Job Growth- CPC Certification- Job Search Strategy and Salary

Recent reporting on the U.S. jobs picture

Coverage of the January 9, 2026, jobs report focused mainly on overall weak U.S. job growth for 2025, noting that the total number of jobs added was much lower than usual, and the broader job market has been sluggish entering 2026. Analysts described most industries as being in a “hiring recession.”

The discussion highlighted that certain sectors—especially health care and social services and leisure/hospitality—accounted for most of the job gains, even while many other industries struggled.

Healthcare and education jobs are relatively bright spots

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projection data , the healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to grow faster than any other major industry through the next decade. It is expected to add the most new jobs among all sectors through around 2034, driven largely by an aging population and expanding demand for care services.

BLS occupational forecasts also show many health care–related roles (like nurse practitioners, physician assistants, home health aides, etc.) ranked among the fastest-growing occupations in the job market.

Education jobs, especially in health-related teaching roles (e.g., health specialties teachers), also appear on lists of sectors with above-average growth.

Why do these sectors show strength?

Healthcare demand is driven by demographic trends (notably the aging U.S. population needing more medical and long-term care). This underpins ongoing hiring in hospitals, outpatient services, home health, and related support roles.

Education (especially postsecondary/health specialties teaching) benefits from broader workforce needs, including training new professionals for these growing fields.

In the context of a slow overall labor market, these sectors stand out because they are rooted in fundamental social needs (healthcare for a growing elderly cohort and education for workforce development) that are less tied to short-term economic cycles.

Overall job growth context

Despite these areas of relative strength, total U.S. job growth remains weak entering 2026, with only modest gains and many sectors (like manufacturing, construction, and some services) showing slow or negative trends.

Job gains are heavily concentrated, meaning healthcare and related education services account for a disproportionate share of job creation while other industries lag.

Private education and healthcare jobs have been among the most resilient and fastest-growing areas in the U.S. labor market.

Healthcare, especially, is a leading growth engine, and many related occupations and educational roles are projected to continue expanding through 2026 and beyond.

However, overall labor market growth remains subdued outside those sectors.

It directly relates to medical coding

When CNN (and the BLS data they reference) show private education and healthcare as one of the strongest job-growth sectors going into 2026, medical coding is part of that growth pipeline.

Here’s how it connects:

Healthcare expansion automatically increases the need for:

• Medical coders

• Risk adjustment (HCC) coders

• Outpatient and physician office coders

• Facility coders

• Compliance and audit coders

Every patient visit, procedure, surgery, test, and diagnosis must be coded for:

• Insurance reimbursement

• Medicare and Medicaid billing

• Risk adjustment programs

• Quality reporting

• Value-based care models

More patients = more claims = more coding.

Why private education matters for medical coding

Private education growth includes:

• Career schools

• Certification programs

• Online healthcare training programs

• Professional certification prep

Medical coding programs fall directly into this category.

As healthcare systems expand, they need:

• More coders

• More billers

• More auditors

• More compliance specialists

Which creates demand for:

• CPC training programs

• Credentialing programs

• Continuing education (CEUs)

• Specialty coding programs

This is exactly the space Coding Clarified operates in.

What this means for coders in 2026 and beyond

Healthcare is one of the most recession-resistant industries because:

• People always need care

• Medicare enrollment is growing rapidly

• Chronic disease management is increasing

• Telehealth and outpatient services continue expanding

All of those trends increase coding volume.

That’s why even when other industries slow, healthcare keeps hiring—and coders are essential infrastructure.

A recent job growth graph showing strength in private education and healthcare is a strong signal for:

• Job stability in medical coding

• Continued hiring demand

• Long-term career growth

• Expansion of certification and training programs

Medical coding sits right at the intersection of those two growing sectors.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown

How U.S. job growth projections relate specifically to medical coding—including current data, future demand, trends, and what it means for careers in 2026 and beyond.

Healthcare drives overall job growth

Why this matters: The healthcare and social assistance sector is the largest source of new jobs in the U.S. economy, projected to add millions of jobs over the next decade, and it’s the main driver of total employment growth.

This broad healthcare expansion ripples into administrative and technical roles like medical coding, billing, and health information.

Medical coding falls under the health information roles

Medical coders are usually classified within the “medical records and health information technicians” occupation group.

This category includes professionals who:

• Assign standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures

• Translate clinical documentation into code sets used for billing and analytics

• Work with electronic health record (EHR) systems

• Help ensure accurate healthcare reimbursement and compliance

Job growth projections for coding-related occupations

Medical records and health information technicians

Projected growth: 7% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Annual openings: Around 14,000+ openings per year, partly from demand and retirements.

This group includes coders and is a key source of future medical coding jobs.

Health information technologists and medical registrars

This related but higher-level category (often involving data analytics, IT systems, and registry work) is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, again much faster than average.

While not purely coding roles, many professionals in this field need strong coding knowledge and can move into coding, auditing, analytics, or health data leadership roles.

Medical billers and coders (industry data)

Multiple career outlook sources estimate that medical billing and coding jobs will grow around 8–9% over the 2020s, faster than average overall.

This growth reflects the increasing volume of healthcare services, telemedicine expansion, and the complexity of reimbursement systems.

What’s driving demand for coders?

Healthcare growth

An aging population and rising prevalence of chronic conditions mean more healthcare visits and services, all needing coding.

Telehealth and new services

Remote/virtual care has become a standard part of healthcare delivery and has added new coding categories and requirements, which increases work for coders.

Health data and RCM trends

Revenue cycle management (RCM) outsourcing, compliance needs, and expanded data reporting functions contribute to the demand for skilled coding professionals.

Market size and growth trends

External industry research projects significant growth in the medical coding market itself:

• The U.S. medical coding market is estimated to grow to over $51 billion by 2033, with about 10% annual compound growth.

• Another forecast estimates billing and coding sector revenue will double from 2024 to 2033.

This reflects not just job openings but demand for coding services, tools, platforms, and outsourcing—all of which expand career opportunities.

Career trends in 2026 and beyond

Based on data and industry insights, here are the key trends impacting coding careers:

Emerging roles and skills

AI-assisted coding helps automate routine tasks but still requires human oversight.
Hierarchy Condition Category (HCC) and risk-adjustment coding are in higher demand as payers emphasize value-based care.

Flexible work models

Remote and hybrid coding positions are increasingly common, expanding opportunities nationally.

Certifications matter

Credentials like CPC, CCS, CPMA, RHIT, etc., remain critical for advancement and higher pay.

What this means for you

Medical coding is positioned for continued growth and stability:

• Growth rates for coding and health information roles are consistently higher than average compared to most occupations.

• Healthcare job expansion broadly supports coding demand, even when other industries slow.

• Technological shifts and telehealth are creating new coding needs and increasing specialization opportunities.

Healthcare job growth is strong and a major driver of total employment increases.
Medical coding jobs (within health information tech) are projected to grow faster than average.
Demand is fueled by aging populations, telehealth, data needs, and revenue cycle complexity.
Market reports also show robust growth in the coding services sector itself.

Here’s the latest salary, job growth, and where medical coding and related health-information careers are growing the most strongly.

Salary and pay expectations for medical coders

Typical earnings nationally

The median annual wage for medical records and health information specialists (which includes medical coders) was about $50,250 in 2024, similar to the wage for coders reported by several career sources.

Many survey reports show a median of around $50,000–$53,000 per year, with variations based on experience, certifications, and location.

Top earners (the highest 10%) can make more than $75,000 per year, especially with strong skills, certifications, or in high-pay markets.

Impact of education and credentials

Coders with associate or bachelor’s degrees and professional certifications often earn more than entry-level coders. Some data show median salaries around $59,000–$60,000 with more formal training.

Salary can rise further with advanced credentials, experience, and specialization, such as HCC risk adjustment, auditing, or compliance coding.

Job growth and demand (2024–2034)

Growth projections

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical records specialists (including coders) to grow about 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 14,000 job openings per year on average.

Other industry sources estimate similar or slightly stronger growth for medical billing and coding roles—8%–9% growth and ~16,000+ openings annually over the next decade.

Why growth is happening

Healthcare utilization continues to rise due to demographic trends and expanded services, generating ongoing demand for coding expertise.

Even with AI and automation tools evolving, coders still drive complex documentation, compliance, and reimbursement accuracy.

Higher-level health information jobs

If you’re thinking beyond basic coding, there are higher-paying roles in health information management:

Health information technologists and medical registrars

Median annual wage was around $67,310 in 2024.
Projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average.

These roles often involve data analysis, system implementation, or clinical database oversight—and many coders advance into these positions over time.

Which states/regions pay more or have higher demand

While detailed state-by-state BLS data for coders isn’t always published in summary results, current trends show:

High-pay or high-demand markets

States like California, New York, Maryland, and the District of Columbia often have higher salary ranges for coders and other health information roles.

Large healthcare hubs such as Texas and Florida also show strong employment opportunities, even if salaries are somewhat lower than in high-cost states.

In health information technologist jobs, California’s average wages for these roles can exceed $100,000/year in some industries.

Why these areas stand out

States with large hospital networks, outpatient centers, insurance firms, and tech-health ecosystems tend to invest more in health data and coding expertise.

High cost-of-living regions often offer higher nominal wages to attract skilled professionals.

Career flexibility and remote work

Remote coding jobs

Many employers now offer remote medical coding positions, which increases job flexibility and access to roles outside your immediate geographic area.

Growth with technology

While AI tools assist routine tasks, experts will still be needed to handle complex cases, quality assurance, compliance, audits, and payer-specific requirements.

What this means for 2026–2030

Medical coding is a solid, growing career because:

• The healthcare sector is expanding faster than average overall.

• Coders and medical records specialists are projected to see job growth faster than average.

• Salaries are competitive and can be significantly higher with specialization and certification.

• Remote and hybrid work options are broadening job access.

• Higher-level health information roles offer advanced career pathways with stronger growth and pay.

Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of the certifications 

Based on employer demand trends, hiring patterns, and advancement pathways these credentials have the most improve earning potential, job access, and long-term career growth in medical coding for 2026 and beyond.

The certifications that matter most for pay and hiring

CPC (Certified Professional Coder) — AAPC

The industry gold standard

This is still the most requested credential in job postings.

Best for:

• Physician office coding

• Outpatient coding

• Remote coding roles

• Entry-to-mid level coders

Why it boosts pay:

• Required or preferred by most employers

• Unlocks remote work eligibility

• Required for most payer contracts and RCM vendors

Typical impact:

• Entry coders often start in the $45,000–$55,000 range

• With experience: $55,000–$70,000+

• With specialization: $70,000–$85,000+

CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) — AHIMA

Hospital and inpatient coding powerhouse

Highly valued by hospital systems and large healthcare networks.

Best for:

• Inpatient coding

• Facility coding

• Trauma and surgical cases

• DRG and MS-DRG environments

Why it boosts pay:

• Hospitals pay more for CCS than CPC

• Often required for inpatient roles

• Strong demand due to staffing shortages

Typical impact:

• Hospital coders commonly earn $60,000–$80,000+

• Senior inpatient coders: $80,000–$95,000+

CPMA (Certified Professional Medical Auditor) — AAPC

One of the highest-paying credentials

This moves you into auditing, compliance, and revenue integrity.

Best for:

• Compliance auditing

• Risk and quality reviews

• Internal payer audits

• Provider education

Why it boosts pay:

• Audit roles pay significantly more than production coding

• Fewer qualified professionals than coding roles

• High demand due to payer scrutiny

Typical impact:

• Audit roles commonly pay $75,000–$100,000+

• Senior auditors can exceed $110,000

CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder) — AAPC

Exploding demand with Medicare Advantage growth

Risk adjustment and HCC coding is one of the fastest-growing niches.

Best for:

• Medicare Advantage

• Value-based care

• Population health

• Chronic condition management

Why it boosts pay:

• MA enrollment growing rapidly

• Payers heavily invest in HCC accuracy

• Outsourced vendors pay premium rates

Typical impact:

• Risk coders commonly earn $70,000–$95,000

• Project-based coders can earn even more

COC (Certified Outpatient Coder) — AAPC

Facility outpatient specialization

Great for hospital outpatient departments and surgery centers.

Best for:

• ASC coding

• Hospital outpatient

• Observation services

• Same-day surgery

Typical impact:

• $60,000–$80,000 range with experience

RHIT / RHIA — AHIMA

Health information leadership track

These move you beyond coding into health data, systems, and management.

Best for:

• HIM management

• Data analytics

• Compliance leadership

• Registry and reporting

Why do they boost pay:

• Qualify for management roles

• Required for many leadership positions

Typical impact:

• RHIT: $60,000–$80,000

• RHIA: $80,000–$110,000+

The best certification path for maximum earnings

Here’s the most common high-earning progression:

Path 1: Coding to audit/compliance

CPC → CPMA → Compliance/Audit Director
This is the highest-earning long-term path.

Path 2: Coding to risk adjustment

CPC → CRC → Risk Adjustment Lead
Very strong demand and remote flexibility.

Path 3: Coding to hospital leadership

CPC or CCS → RHIT → RHIA
Leads to HIM management and executive roles.

Certifications that employers are requesting most in 2026 job listings

Based on hiring patterns:

• CPC

• CCS

• CRC

• CPMA

• COC

These appear most frequently in job postings for:

• Remote roles

• Contract projects

• Compliance teams

• Hospital systems

• Medicare Advantage plans

What this means for coders in 2026 and beyond

Healthcare hiring growth plus regulatory complexity means:

• More audits

• More payer reviews

• More compliance oversight

• More risk adjustment scrutiny

• More revenue protection initiatives

All of those require certified coders.

AI tools increase productivity but do not replace certified professionals—they increase the need for auditors, validators, and compliance experts.

Medical coding remains a strong, stable, and scalable career path because it sits at the center of healthcare reimbursement.

The certifications that most increase income and job security are:

• CPC

• CCS

• CPMA

• CRC

• RHIT/RHIA

Coders who specialize and credential strategically will be positioned for the strongest job growth, highest pay, and best remote opportunities through 2030 and beyond.

This is the same pathway most successful coders use to move from certification → employment → specialization → higher income.

CPC career roadmap (2026–2027)

Phase 1 — CPC certification (Months 0–6)

Goal: Pass the CPC exam and become job-ready.

Coding Clarified can train you for the CPC, as we are an AAPC-approved education provider. You may even qualify for a scholarship/grant!  

Coding Clarified Medical Coding course includes the following: 

80-clock-hour self-paced course 

100% remote studies  

Access to the AAPC online medical coding class 

CPT, ICD10, HCPC and Textbook 

Instructor video/audio files to implement notes into your books 

1:1 time with instructor as needed 

Professionally written resume (Upon completion of internship) 

AAPC Membership (Assigned at completion of course) 

CPC Exam Voucher x2 (Assigned at completion of course) 

Job placement assistance/resources (Once certified or completed with Internship) 

Online HCC Internship (Once completed with Practicode) 

Practicode (Upon becoming certified as CPC) 

CPC Practice Exam Bundle x3 (Upon completion of course) 

CPC Study Guide (Electronic) 

CPC Exam Online Review (Upon completion of the course) 

Coding Clarified CPC Course 

Coding Clarified AAPC CPC WIOA Scholarships/Grant 

CPC study calendar (12-week certification plan)

Week 1–2
Medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM guidelines

Week 3–4
Integumentary and musculoskeletal CPT coding

Week 5–6
Digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular coding

Week 7–8
Nervous system, radiology, pathology, medicine

Week 9
E/M guidelines and MDM

Week 10
Modifiers and compliance

Week 11
Full practice exams

Week 12
Final review and exam readiness

Daily:

• 2 hours study

• 30 practice questions

• 10 ICD-10 diagnoses

• 10 CPT scenarios