Medical coding and billing careers in the USA are stable, desk-based healthcare jobs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics groups coders under “medical records specialists”: 200,700 jobs in 2025, a median pay of $51,140 a year (May 2025), and 8% projected growth from 2025 to 2035 — about 14,000 openings a year. Most coders work in hospitals and physicians’ offices. A postsecondary certificate is the usual entry route, and many employers prefer AAPC or AHIMA certification. Much US coding work is also done by RCM teams in India.
Key takeaways
- BLS median pay for medical records specialists: $51,140 a year (May 2025).
- Jobs projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035 — much faster than average.
- Hospitals (28% of jobs) pay a median of $59,120; physicians’ offices $47,120.
- A postsecondary certificate is typical; AAPC (CPC) or AHIMA certification is often preferred.
- Indian RCM firms code US records, so you can work on US healthcare from India.
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What do medical coders and billers do?
Coders read patient records and assign standard codes — ICD-10-CM for diagnoses, CPT for procedures and HCPCS Level II for supplies and drugs. Billers use those codes to build insurance claims, submit them and follow up on denials. In many jobs, one person does both.
- Review charts, physician notes and test results
- Assign accurate codes and modifiers
- Check codes against documentation and payer rules
- Submit claims and resolve denials or discrepancies
- Query providers when notes are unclear
- Follow privacy rules (HIPAA) and coding guidelines
BLS notes these workers spend long hours at a computer, with no hands-on patient care. Most work full time; hospitals may need shift work.
Medical coding and billing careers: US pay
From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 data for medical records specialists:
Median pay
- Management of companies and enterprises
- $60,980
- Hospitals
- $59,120
- Administrative and support services
- $49,490
- Offices of physicians
- $47,120
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- $46,800
- All medical records specialists
- $51,140 (lowest 10% <$37,000; highest 10% >$81,150)
Job outlook and where coders work
+8% by 2035
BLS projects jobs to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3% average — about 15,600 new jobs.
~14,000 openings a year
Mostly to replace workers who move to other jobs or retire.
Hospitals lead
Hospitals employ 28% of medical records specialists; physicians’ offices 18%.
AI is changing the work
BLS notes AI tools that speed up coding may affect demand. Coders who can review and audit are best placed.
Read more in AI in medical coding.
Education and certification in the USA
BLS says a postsecondary nondegree award (a certificate) is the typical entry route, though some jobs take a high school diploma and others want an associate or bachelor’s degree. Employers often require or prefer certification:
- CPC (AAPC) — 100 questions in 4 hours, 70% to pass; the most common outpatient credential
- CCA and CCS (AHIMA) — entry-level and hospital/inpatient credentials
- CPB (AAPC) — for billing specialists
See our full certification guide for life science graduates.
Working on US medical coding from India
Many US hospitals and physician groups outsource coding and billing to revenue cycle management (RCM) companies in India. That means Indian graduates can build a career on US records without moving. In India, medical coders earn about ₹3.5–3.9 lakh a year with 0–4 years of experience (AmbitionBox, 18.8k salaries, October 2026).
Honest note
Working in the USA itself needs US work authorisation, decided by employers and US immigration rules. BCRI does not promise jobs abroad; our placement support focuses on employers in India.
Duration
Best for
- Medical Coding Certification Course
- ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS and CPC preparation — live online or classroom
- Medical Coding Course in Bangalore
- HSR Layout classroom batch
FAQs
What is the salary for medical coding and billing in the USA?
The BLS median for medical records specialists was $51,140 a year in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned under $37,000 and the highest 10% over $81,150.
Is medical coding a growing field in the USA?
Yes. BLS projects 8% growth from 2025 to 2035 — much faster than average — with about 14,000 openings a year.
What qualification do US medical coders need?
Usually a postsecondary certificate. Many employers prefer certification such as AAPC’s CPC or AHIMA’s CCA or CCS.
Where do medical coders work in the USA?
Mostly in hospitals (28% of jobs) and physicians’ offices (18%), plus professional services firms and administrative support companies.
Can I do US medical coding from India?
Yes. Many Indian RCM and healthcare BPO companies code US patient records. Moving to the US to work needs US work authorisation.
Will AI replace medical coders in the USA?
BLS notes AI tools may affect demand, but still projects 8% growth. Coders who review AI output, handle complex cases and audit quality are best placed.