Which state pays medical coders the most?
Medical coders play a crucial role in the healthcare industry as they are responsible for coding
medical records and procedures to ensure correct billing, payment, and reimbursement. One of the
most critical factors that medical coders consider when looking for employment is the salary and
compensation packages offered by different states. With the increasing demand for medical coders,
many are looking for the best-paying states in which to pursue their careers. While medical coders
can work in every state in the country, some states offer significantly higher salaries and better
benefits than others. As with any profession, the pay for medical coders varies depending on several
factors, including location, experience, and qualifications. The question of “Which state pays
medical coders the most?” is often asked by those looking to enter this field. This article will
take a closer look at the states paying more to medical coders. Whether you’re a seasoned medical
coder or just starting in the field, this article will give you the information you need to make an
informed decision about where to start your career.
Following are the highest paying states for aspiring US medical coders
California
The state that pays medical coders the most is California. How much do medical coders get paid in
California?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for medical coders in
California is $67,320, significantly higher than the national average of $43,030. The average hourly
wage is approximated as $31.84.
There are a number of reasons why medical coders in California earn such high salaries.
- The high cost of living in California is a significant factor in the higher salaries for medical
coders, as employers need to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top
talent.
- Another factor contributing to the high salaries for medical coders in California is the high
demand for the profession. This increased demand for medical coders means employers are willing
to pay more to attract and retain the best candidates.
Massachusetts
Another state that pays medical coders well is Massachusetts. According to the BLS, the average
annual salary for medical coders in Massachusetts is $62,620, which is also significantly higher
than the national average.
Oregon
- According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon is among the top-paying states for
medical coders, with an average annual salary of $56,810. This is significantly higher than the
national average of $46,590.
- A study by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) found that the median annual salary
for medical coders in Oregon is $60,000. This is higher than the national median of $52,000.
- Another research by PayScale, an online salary database, shows that the average salary for a
medical coder in Oregon is $52,000 annually.
Washington
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical coders in the state of Washington
have an average annual salary of $65,870, which is higher than the national average of $53,120.
This puts Washington among the top states for medical coders in terms of salary.
- Another research conducted by ZipRecruiter, a job search and salary comparison website, ranked
Washington as the 4th highest-paying state for medical coders. The study revealed that the
average salary for medical coders in the state is $66,000, making it one of the best places to
work in terms of earning potential.
- A publication by Health eCareers, a healthcare job search website, also supports the statement
that Washington is among the top-paying salary state for medical coders. The publication ranked
Washington as the 5th highest-paying state for medical coders, with an average salary of
$65,000.
Alaska
- According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Alaska is among the highest-paying
states for medical coders, with an average hourly wage of $31.96 and an average annual salary of
$66,470. This is significantly higher than the national average hourly wage of $22.81 and the
yearly salary of $47,500 for medical coders.
- A study by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) also found that Alaska ranks in the
top 10 states for the highest median compensation for medical coders, with a median compensation
of $70,073 per year.
- In addition, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) found that
Alaska ranks in the top 15 states for the highest median salary for medical coders, with a
median salary of $68,000 per year.
New York
New York is known for its high cost of living and competitive job market, reflected in the state’s salaries earned by medical coders. According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for medical coders in New York is $58,880, significantly higher than the national average of $51,120.This salary data is supported by a study conducted by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), which found that medical coders in New York earn an average of $64,000 per year, making it one of the top-paying states in the country. The study also found that the highest-paying metropolitan areas in New York for medical coders are New York-Newark-Jersey City and Nassau-Suffolk.
Texas
- According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has a high employment level for medical coders, with an average salary of $51,810 per year.
- Additionally, an American Academy of Professional Coders survey found that Texas is one of the top-paying states for medical coding professionals, with an average salary of $57,000 annually.
- Furthermore, a report by Indeed.com states that Texas is one of the top states for job opportunities in medical coding, with an overall growth rate of 15%.
Alabama
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Alabama ranks within the top 10 highest-paying states for medical coders.
Hourly wage:In 2019, the average hourly salary for medical coders in Alabama was $22.11
Average annual wage:In 2019, the average yearly salary was $46,050. Another study by the online salary database PayScale found that the average salary for medical coders in Alabama was $45,000 per year. Additionally, a survey by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) found that the average salary for medical coders in Alabama was $49,000 per year
Nevada
A recent study by ZipRecruiter, a job search platform, ranked Nevada as the fourth-best state for medical coders, with an average salary of $68,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the national average salary for medical coders, estimated to be around $50,000 annually. Additionally, various healthcare organizations in Nevada, such as Renown Health and the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, have been recognized as leading employers in the field, offering competitive salaries and benefits to their medical coding employees.
Hawaii
- According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, Hawaii had the highest mean hourly wage for medical coders, which was $33.24. This salary was significantly higher than the national average of $29.35. The survey also showed that the average annual wage for medical coders in Hawaii was $69,120, the highest among all states in the United States.
- A report published by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) in 2021 indicated that Hawaii was one of the highest-paying states for medical coders. The report stated that medical coders in Hawaii earned an average salary of $66,000, which was higher than the national average of $62,000.
