By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Medical billers and coders earn a median of about $51,140 a year ($24.59 an hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Certification makes a big difference: in AAPC’s 2026 salary report (2025 data), certified professionals averaged about $67,260, compared with $55,721 for those without a certification. Nearly 2 in 3 respondents now work fully remote.
Salary at a glance
| Measure | Pay | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median, medical records specialists | $51,140 a year ($24.59 an hour) | BLS, May 2025 |
| Average, no certification | $55,721 | AAPC 2026 salary report |
| Average, certified | $67,260 | AAPC 2026 salary report |
| CPC average | $67,147 | AAPC 2026 salary report |
| Two AAPC certifications | $74,557 | AAPC 2026 salary report |
| Three or more certifications | $81,227 | AAPC 2026 salary report |
The BLS figure covers a broad group of jobs, including entry-level roles. AAPC’s survey is of its members, who are more likely to be certified and experienced, so its averages run higher.
What changes your pay
- Certification: the single biggest factor you control. See CPC vs CBCS vs CCA.
- Experience: pay usually rises after the first 2 years, when you can work independently.
- Specialty: surgery, cardiology, oncology, risk adjustment and inpatient coding often pay more than general office coding.
- Role: auditors, compliance specialists, denial managers and supervisors earn more than entry-level billers.
- Setting and location: hospitals and large health systems often pay more than small practices, and pay varies by state and cost of living.
Do remote medical coders earn more?
Remote work is now the norm for experienced coders: in AAPC’s 2026 report, 64.8% of respondents work fully remote and another 15.4% are hybrid. Remote roles usually pay about the same as on-site roles at the same level, but they typically require a certification and 1 to 2 years of experience. Watch for fake remote job ads that ask you to pay for training. See remote medical billing jobs.
Job outlook
The BLS expects jobs for medical records specialists to grow about 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 14,000 openings a year, mostly from people retiring or changing careers.
From 15 years in billing: the biggest pay jumps I’ve seen came from adding a second skill, such as auditing or denial management, not from switching employers for a small raise. When you negotiate, bring numbers: your clean-claim rate or how much denied money you recovered.
Frequently asked questions
How much do medical billers and coders make an hour?
The BLS median is $24.59 an hour (May 2025). Certified and experienced coders often earn more.
Do certified coders earn more?
Yes. In AAPC’s 2026 salary report, certified professionals averaged about $67,260 a year, about 20.7% more than those without a certification.
What is the highest-paying medical coding job?
Roles such as coding auditor, compliance specialist, inpatient coder, risk adjustment coder and coding manager are usually at the top of the range, especially with several certifications.
Is medical billing and coding a good career in 2026?
For many people, yes. It needs no degree, offers steady demand and can lead to remote work. Entry-level pay is modest, so plan to add certifications and skills over time.
Sources: BLS: Medical records specialists · AAPC 2026 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report
This guide is educational. Exam fees, requirements and salaries change, so confirm details with AAPC, NHA or AHIMA. MedBillGuide is not affiliated with any certifying organization. See our Disclaimer.