How Much Does a Medical Coder Make? AAPC Salary Survey Review

[@rheahillukka5376]

So interesting!! (lol, I just have to say that i love the books in the backround, especially Quicksilver and ACOTAR:)

[@ContempoCoding]

Those who know, are in on a fun secret about my personality outside of medical coding. 🤣🤣🤫

[@WanderandWeather]

I've been 10 years and never been paid what they say average, always been below average.

[@ContempoCoding]

I hear you, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling that way. The salary survey numbers are self-reported averages, so they don’t always reflect individual experiences, especially since pay can vary widely based on location, employer type, and job responsibilities. Factors like company budget, cost of living in your area, and how salaries are negotiated can all play a role. If you feel like your pay hasn’t kept up with industry standards, it might be worth evaluating other job opportunities, negotiating for a raise, or adding specialized credentials that can boost your earning potential.

[@amylou9730]

I just found your channel and thinking of becoming a coder this year. Do you have any videos on how to navigate through the 3 coding books I will need? And thank you for this awesome video👍🏼

[@ContempoCoding]

Yes, if you search on the main channel page I cover each book.

[@JabbyAli]

It's actually true that being a CPC amazingly worth profession ❤

[@Antigone78]

I’m at Stanford in ProFee billing and I’m making substantially more than this chart but: Bay Area. Also, I’ve been here for 20+ years so I’m actually not sure what a new hire would make. But I can say that we have very generous benefits so if somebody is looking, I would still take a job to get my foot in the door. We love to hire internally and I’ve seen follow up reps grow into director positions.

[@emilyjeanine1159]

Hello! I’ve been working in insurance since 2016 and have decided to go for my CPC/CPB certification. What I’m nervous about is, I make a nice wage, but I’m going “back to school” more for fulfillment. I’m worried I might actually not earn as much as a coder/biller, particularly an apprentice, as I do now. I make around $50,000/yr.

[@ContempoCoding]

That’s a valid concern! Entry-level medical coding and billing salaries can vary, and as a CPC-A, you might start lower than your current $50K salary. However, once you gain experience and remove the apprentice status, salaries can grow significantly, especially if you specialize or move into auditing, compliance, or management roles. If you’re doing this for fulfillment, it’s worth weighing whether the long-term career growth and flexibility of coding/billing align with your goals!

[@emilyjeanine1159]

@ even if I have a bachelors degree? It has nothing to do with medicine but I have it lol.

[@anjalishreeya3052]

Hello Victoria.. hope you’re doing great! I’m completely non life since background. I’ve done this course three months ago. Taking mock exams right now. But not able to reach 35 percent of the grade. I think I’m not prepared well. Can Abel to understand the topic but when I attend the exam I’m getting very low marks. Can u please suggest me which part I should put more efforts.

[@TwomorzZ]

Hello! Ive been thinking about getting into medical coding for a while now, but ive noticed that most of the people in this field are women and i am male. Is there anything you would suggest for me? Im going to start my training through the aacp CPC certification program

[@jujubee7549]

🤔🤔 making me rethink of getting back into it.

[@KimHoch-oc7mv]

I don't see that salary here in Florida

[@dairarodriguez5288]

Im on a budget and want to start purchasing books. Which one is the best one to get first as i prepare to self study? Im interested in CRC certification. Hopefully i can soon have the funds to take course until then im watching videos.

[@ContempoCoding]

I don't have a lot of self study resources for CRC as they're aren't really options for books to self-study for that certification alone aside from maybe the AAPC's CRC Study Guide. You'll need an ICD-10-CM book as well.

[@ancientCures]

I was watching your video from two years ago about Koder. Is that kind of job still an option with medical coding ? I am interested to start the training but I can’t work a traditional 9-5 because I take care of my child with special need. Is remote work pick your own hours kind of job and option in this field?

[@ContempoCoding]

Kode is still alive and well, but only for small project here and there, and mostly for inpatient coding. Remote medical coding jobs do exist, but most still require set schedules, especially for full-time positions. You typically can’t pick your own hours unless you’re highly experienced, like a consultant or independent contractor. If flexibility is a priority, you might want to look into part-time or contract roles, but be prepared to gain experience first before having that level of control over your schedule.

[@ancientCures]

@@ContempoCoding thank you 🙏

[@sharonguillory9586]

Hi Victoria, I took my CPC exam and used the 2025 codebooks and failed the test. All the questions were from 2024 code sets.

[@ContempoCoding]

The CPC exam is a tough test, and some people do fail-but don’t get discouraged, just keep trying! The CPC exam is randomized from a test bank of over 1,000 questions, so they don’t completely rewrite it every year based on code updates. Instead, AAPC reviews existing questions and only tweaks them if necessary to reflect changes. For 2025, less than 1% of the total code sets of CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS changed. So even with yearly updates, the vast majority of coding principles and guidelines remain the same.

[@sharonguillory9586]

@@ContempoCoding I was told to use the current years codebooks and that's what I did and I had nothing highlighted in my books, everything was written in my 2024 books. I don't get it, I really don't.

[@ContempoCoding]

I completely understand your frustration, but try not to beat yourself up over this. I’ve mentioned many times on the channel that you have to weigh the risks-transferring notes and highlights takes time, but using older books means you might run into a small percentage of outdated codes (which likely won’t make or break your exam, but is a small risk). AAPC allows you to use either the current calendar year or one year prior, so that choice is up to you. However, no amount of highlighting or notating is a substitute for truly understanding the material. Instead of playing “what if,” focus on identifying your weak areas, studying strategically, and preparing for a strong re-take. You’ve got this!

[@sharonguillory9586]

@@ContempoCoding but I don't have another voucher to retake it. None of the codes in 2025 codebooks related to the questions on the test.

[@sobluebedford]

I’m 7 years as a profee coder. I have 4 credentials but each job I apply always wants to start me at the lowest end. Tried to get into inpatient but they don’t entertain profee coders. Even though I have my CCS. A recruiter told me the learning curve is too big. And I’m like my education shld show I’m up for the challenge of learning. But no. So I’ve been stuck in this loop of trying to figure out just what my next move shld be.

[@Antigone78]

@@sobluebedford I would try and take the lower job to get a foot in the door if you can afford that. I’ve been at Stanford for over 20 years and we will always look at internal candidates before hiring from outside.

[@ContempoCoding]

That’s really frustrating, and I completely get why you feel stuck. It’s true that many employers see inpatient coding as a big shift from profee, even with your CCS, because they prioritize hands-on facility coding experience. If inpatient is your goal, you might have better luck applying for hybrid roles (like outpatient hospital coding) or looking for entry-level inpatient positions at smaller facilities to get your foot in the door. Also, I've been getting a LOT of emails lately from Kode for inpatient positions for backlogs and vacation coverage. If you can pass the assessment, might be something worthwhile to get some experience.

[@reginapompey6486]

What is the starting salary after completing with a basic aapc basic certification?

[@ContempoCoding]

Depends on the certification - you can use the AAPC Salary calculator. www.aapc.com/tools/medical-coding-salary-calculator.aspx

[@thegirl_ilove]

Hello i registered for my cpc exam but I couldn't book any slot for the exam and there is a news that aapc is changing the exam format where they are going to give e books other than manual books for examination is it true 😢 please reply if anyone knows

[@ContempoCoding]

AAPC eBooks are now allowed for use in AAPC exams. Members will have the option of using printed books or eBooks to take your exam. When you schedule your exam, you will have the option to select whether you want to take your exam with printed books or eBooks. The eBook used for the exam is a version provided through the exam platform to ensure a consistent and fair testing environment for all participants. Therefore, any notes or highlights in your current eBooks will not be available during the certification exam. However, you will have access to a search function to help locate the information you need. Ref: www.aapc.com/promos/ebooks-are-available-for-your-exam

[@thegirl_ilove]

@ContempoCoding you are a life saver thank you so much for the info

[@dr.afzaaldar]

Cool

[@user-ss5dy8jyl]

Does a medical coder need a degree? Thankyou.

[@ContempoCoding]

No, a medical coder does not need a degree. Most employers require a certification like the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC or the CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) from AHIMA instead. A degree can be helpful but isn’t necessary to start a career in medical coding. 😊