Many people wonder what the average salary is for a medical biller and coder, and if you are one of those, you are in the right place. There can be many determining factors that have direct impacts on the salaries that you can earn in this field. In the job market of today, one can be confused as to what career to choose. You want something you can get into quickly, but also provides room for growth. A career in the billing and coding field has proven to become one of the most lucrative jobs to obtain.
The medical billing and coding salary can vary with certification, education, and specialized areas of expertise in the medical field industry. Naturally, candidates with an accredited certification can command a more competitive salary with an additional package of benefits, but not all candidates are seeking such advantages.
Whether one decides to attend a course that promises certification, a position in a doctors office that has the benefits of “hands-on” training, the salary is a negotiable tool when seeking a position.
Yearly Wages
The annual wage for the medical biller and coder can start from $25,000 and increase with experience and further education. Not bad, for a career with growing potential. It is one on the main reasons so many people are entering this vastly growing sector.
If you secure a job in a large hospital in a metropolitan area a higher starting pay may be offered as opposed to a smaller, more intimate surroundings of a private doctors office. Either position, you will be rewarded due to your efficiency.
Hourly Wages
Working for an hourly wage can prove to be beneficial to one who would like to make a good income, but not have to work full time. The range in hourly rate can vary from the experience within the field, knowledge of software and billing and coding procedures, as well as the industry. The more experience the higher the wages you can expect.
Typically the scale in wages can be from $12.00 an hour up to $40.00 an hour. Of course the latter being with a higher amount of education and experience. Some candidates may be offered a healthy benefits package in lieu of a higher initial starting wage.
Salary If You Become Certified
As a certified professional, the annual salary, at the entry level position, can be $35,000 and as high as $50,000. As with further education and growth within the field, ones income is bound to increase.
It is always to ones advantage to become certified, not only for the increased compensation, but, due to the ability to be more aware of procedural codes as well as the duties and expectations, within the field.
Independent Contractor
Many people have found the luxury of becoming an independent contractor within the billing and coding field. Having the flexibility of working from home, on your own time definitely has its advantages. There are many doctors and private establishments that use these services to their benefit.
As an Independent medical biller and coder, one is considered “self-employed”, and thereby would be contracted to process a specific amount of work each week. Your work must be completed within a specified time line and be compensated in payment by a “per chart” completion.
Of course, as a self employed contractor, there would not be the benefits packages as well as paid time off or vacations, but to work at ones home on your own time are benefits in themselves. Having this career path, the salary can be one of great rewards.
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