Medical Billing and Coding Specialist FAQ

Many can, especially after gaining experience and certification. Employers often require a period of on-site work or a track record of accuracy first.

They’re related but different. Coders translate documentation into codes; billers use those codes to create claims, submit them and follow up on payment. Many jobs combine both.

The CPC from AAPC is common for physician-office coding, while AHIMA’s CCA is an entry-level credential. Check local job postings to see what employers ask for.

The median annual wage for medical billing and coding specialists was $51,140 ($24.59 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,000 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,150.

Most people need about 4–12 months of training. Most employers prefer a postsecondary certificate in medical billing and coding (several months to a year) or an associate degree in health information technology, plus a professional certification.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +7.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 14,000 openings each year. Upsides include no patient contact or blood: healthcare from behind a desk; a common challenge is that highly detail-oriented and repetitive.

Key technical skills include icd-10-cm diagnosis coding, cpt and hcpcs level ii procedure coding, medical terminology and anatomy, and claims submission and denial management. Employers also value attention to detail, analytical thinking, and self-discipline for remote work.

Common credentials include CPC (AAPC), CCA or CCS (AHIMA), CPB (AAPC), and RHIT (AHIMA). Requirements vary by state and employer.