How much do medical coders make? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $51,140 ($24.59 per hour) for medical records specialists, the category that includes medical coders (May 2025). The lowest 10% earned less than $37,000 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,150. Where you land in that range depends on your credentials, experience, setting, and specialty.
The National Median and the Honest Range
The median is the middle of the market, not a starting salary. New coders usually start below it and move above it as they remove the apprentice designation, gain experience, and add specialty credentials. Salary surveys that report higher averages, such as AAPC’s annual survey, include many coders with a decade or more of experience, so read them as a picture of where a coding career can go.
Entry Level vs. CPC-A vs. Certified Coders
- Uncertified or entry level: Typically at the low end of the range. Most employers will not hire coders without a credential.
- CPC-A: You passed the CPC exam but still hold the apprentice designation. Employers often pay less until the A is removed.
- CPC with the A removed: Opens more job postings and stronger pay. Learn how in our CPC-A guide.
- Specialty credentials: Credentials such as the CRC, CIC, or auditing credentials generally pay more than the CPC alone.
Medical Coder Salary by Setting
| Industry (BLS, May 2025) | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Management of companies and enterprises | $60,980 |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | $59,120 |
| Administrative and support services | $49,490 |
| Offices of physicians | $47,120 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $46,800 |
Remote roles are spread across these settings. They tend to go to experienced coders, so remote work and higher pay often arrive together. Read what remote coding is really like.
Medical Coder Salary by Specialty
- Risk adjustment (HCC): In high demand with health plans and vendors, and often remote. See our CRC certification guide.
- Inpatient facility coding: Requires ICD-10-PCS and typically pays more, as the hospital median above shows. See our CCS certification guide.
- Surgical and specialty coding: Complex procedure coding, such as orthopedics or cardiology, often pays above general coding.
- Auditing and compliance: Experienced coders who move into auditing usually earn at the top of the range.
What Raises Your Pay Fastest
- Remove the A as soon as possible with an 80 hour course and Practicode.
- Get real chart experience through our HCC internship or Registered Apprenticeship.
- Build a record of high accuracy and steady productivity.
- Add a specialty credential once you have experience. Compare options in our certifications guide.
- Negotiate. Read our salary negotiation guide.
Cost of Certification Against First Year Earnings
Training is an investment you can recover quickly. Many students train at little or no cost through scholarships and WIOA funding in 30+ states, and guaranteed in house financing is available in every state. Our tuition includes your CPC exam voucher, AAPC membership, code books, and Practicode. Compare the full picture in our training cost guide.
Medical Coding Salary FAQs
How much do medical coders make per hour?
The BLS median is $24.59 per hour for medical records specialists (May 2025).
Do certified coders earn more?
Yes. Certified coders earn more than uncertified coders, and pay rises again when you remove the A and add specialty credentials.
Which coding setting pays the most?
Among the top industries BLS tracks, management of companies and hospitals had the highest medians, at $60,980 and $59,120.
What is the fastest way to raise my coding salary?
Remove the CPC-A, build real chart experience, keep your accuracy high, and add a specialty credential such as the CRC.
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and the AAPC salary survey.
Ready to start? Explore our online medical coding training.