Medical Coder: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Medical Coders earn a national median of $50,250/yr with 7.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Medicine and Dentistry, Clerical, English Language.
Median Salary
$50,250
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
7.1%
About as fast as average
Employed Nationally
187,910
2024 data
Typical Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Medical Coder
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Medical Coder candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Medical Coder performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Medical Coder roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 7.1% for Medical Coder roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 187,910
- Projected Growth
- 7.1%
- Typical Education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Medical Coder do?
- Medical Coders apply expertise in Medicine and Dentistry, Clerical, English Language to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include .
- How much does a Medical Coder make?
- The national median salary for a Medical Coder is $50,250 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Medical Coder a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Medical Coder roles is projected to grow 7.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 187,910 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Medical Coder?
- The typical entry-level education for a Medical Coder is Postsecondary nondegree award. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Medical Coders need?
- The most important skills for Medical Coder roles based on verified occupational data: . Key tools and technologies include: Epic Systems, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Henry Schein Dentrix, IBM SPSS Statistics, MEDITECH software.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.