What used to be a straightforward administrative role has turned into something closer to healthcare data intelligence. The question is whether you're willing to adapt to an industry that's being shifted by technology, not replaced by it.
So, What’s the Story with Medical Billing and Coding (MBC)?
The median annual salary for medical records and health information technicians was $50,250 in May 2024, but this baseline figure masks significant variations.
Certification makes a measurable difference. Non-certified coders earn an average salary of $55,721 per year, while coders with three or more American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) certifications earn an average of $81,227 per year.
Geography plays an outsized role. The District of Columbia, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have the highest medical billing and coding salaries throughout the country, while Indiana has the lowest annual salary at $47,176. But with remote work settings, you can live in Mississippi while billing for a hospital system in Massachusetts, fundamentally changing the compensation calculation.
Watch Our Video on Whether MBC is Worth It or Not
Remote Working Model in Medical Billing and Coding
Did you know that 92 percent of remote coders said they were either "Very satisfied" or "Somewhat satisfied" with their jobs, compared to 89 percent overall? Unlike many remote roles that dried up post-pandemic, medical coding remote positions have continued expanding. Healthcare facilities realized that coders don't need to be physically present to access electronic health records, and that geographical restrictions were artificially limiting their talent pool.
Medical coders are starting businesses with minimal overhead, working for multiple clients across time zones, and negotiating salaries based on high-cost-of-living markets while living in affordable areas.
Let’s Talk about AI and MBC
“The coder who doesn't learn how to use AI will not have a job, but the coder who knows how to use AI will continue to morph their position.”
– Olga Lyubar, Department Head for Health Information Management and Medical Billing and Coding at Clark College
The shift is already happening. "The coder is going to have to adapt their positions with these tools that they're using. The coder who's going to be reviewing the document will have to be more of an auditor, instead of looking through the material and coding it initially," Lyubar explains. The role requires quality assurance, compliance verification, and handling complex edge cases that AI still struggles with.
Consider what's happening in hospitals right now:
- AI systems can scan patient documentation and suggest codes in seconds, but they stumble on nuanced cases, bundling requirements, and complicated procedures.
- There have been cases of hospitals implementing AI coding assistant software that produced a lot of errors and resulted in a lot of wasted time and money.
Entry-level coders who input straightforward codes are seeing their roles automated. But experienced coders who understand compliance can audit AI suggestions and handle intricate cases. According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 46 percent of hospitals and health systems use AI in their revenue-cycle operations, and they all need humans overseeing these systems.
This is Where Things Become Complex
Medical coding sounds straightforward until you realize the system you'll be working with. The United States has nearly 11,000 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, and in 2023, 225 new codes were added, 75 deleted, and 93 revised.
The transition to ICD-10 created temporary chaos and increased demand, but that's nothing compared to what's coming. Healthcare is promoting value-based care models, which require far more detailed coding to capture patient outcomes and comorbidities. The coding requirement is exploding in complexity.
Claims denial rates have surged by over 20%, surpassing the 10% mark over the past five years. This creates both challenges and opportunities. Hospitals are desperate for coders who can reduce denials.
What the Career Path Looks Like
Typical progression goes something like this:
- Get certified.
- Work in-office for 1-2 years, handling straightforward cases.
- Transition to remote work.
- Specialize in a high-demand area.
- Pivot to auditing, compliance, or education.
But that's the boring path.
The more interesting trajectories involve specialization. Emergency department coding pays differently from surgical coding. Risk adjustment coding for Medicare Advantage plans is experiencing massive growth as the Medicare population expands. Revenue cycle management positions (where you're analyzing denial patterns and optimizing billing processes) can push compensation well above the median.
Some coders are moving into health informatics roles, leveraging their understanding of medical documentation to help implement and optimize electronic health record systems. Others are becoming coding educators – AAPC instructor roles show 7% growth and $97,000+ salaries.
The freelance route deserves special mention. With minimal startup costs, experienced coders are building consulting businesses, working for multiple physician practices, or taking contract positions at premium rates. The gig economy has reached medical coding, and it's creating opportunities that didn't exist a few years ago.
The MBC Qualification Element
You don't technically need a degree to start, but you'll hit a ceiling fast without proper credentials. The field requires a relatively low barrier to entry. Programs can be completed in as little as four months.
For example, the Medical Billing and Coding Program through Health Tech Academy can be completed within 12 weeks and is fully Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) accredited.
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MBC exam pass rates aren't published, but anecdotally, first-time pass rates hover around 50-60%. You'll need to learn medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, coding guidelines, and payer-specific requirements. The studying is intense, typically requiring 3-6 months of dedicated preparation beyond your coursework.
The Included Downsides
Medical coding can be relentlessly repetitive. You're essentially turning medical documentation into alphanumeric codes, eight hours a day. If you need constant novelty and human interaction, this will feel soul-crushing.
The deadline pressure is real. Each medical office has a specific lag time for coding reports, typically two to five business days. Miss these windows, and you delay the entire revenue cycle.
Remote work sounds ideal until you realize you're staring at a computer screen in isolation for your entire workday. Some individuals find the option of working from home particularly appealing, but people who struggle with making connections online and who prefer face-to-face interaction may not enjoy digital discussions.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance adds another layer of stress. Working remotely means securing your home network, ensuring no one can view your screen, and maintaining strict documentation standards. One slip could cost you your career.
The Verdict for Different MBC Career Stages
For career changers looking for quick entry into healthcare: Medical billing and coding offers one of the fastest on-ramps. The training is affordable and relatively short. If you're switching careers and need income within 6-12 months, this is a legitimate path.
- For recent high school graduates, consider MBC as a stepping stone. Get certified and work for 2-3 years. This gives you income and experience while building toward higher-level roles.
- For those seeking long-term career security, the field is stable but requires continuous learning. If you're willing to stay current with coding changes, embrace AI tools, and specialize in complex areas, you'll have work for decades. If you want to learn once and cruise, look elsewhere.
- For remote work seekers, medical coding is one of the most remote-friendly healthcare careers. The majority of remote employees handle medical coding as a coder/coding specialist for their primary job responsibility at 58.7 percent. If location independence is your priority, few healthcare roles offer this flexibility.
The 2026 Medical Billing and Coding Job Market
About 15,000 openings for medical records specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade through 2033. The aging population, Medicare expansion, and increasing healthcare utilization guarantee this work exists. But it also means you're entering a field with steady, not spectacular, growth.
You're now competing with candidates nationwide (or globally) for remote positions. Geographic protection has evaporated. The advantage goes to those with strong credentials, knowledge, and track records.
Healthcare staffing shortages are creating upward salary pressure, but primarily for experienced coders. Entry-level positions remain competitive, with many employers requiring 1-2 years of experience even for entry-level roles.
Making the Decision
Medical billing and coding in 2026 is worth it if you meet specific criteria. You need self-discipline for remote work, tolerance for repetitive tasks, willingness to continuously learn, and comfort with technology.
- The income is solidly middle-class with room to grow.
- The flexibility is exceptional.
- The job security is strong for those who adapt.
- It's not worth it if you need constant social interaction, hate detail-oriented work, or expect to get trained once and never update your skills.
If you're ready to enter this field with proper training and industry-recognized credentials, Health Tech Academy offers comprehensive medical billing and coding programs designed for the 2026 job market. Our curriculum covers AI tools, compliance requirements, and specialized knowledge that employers want.
Enroll in the MBC program that prepares you for the CPC certification exam while providing practical experience with medical documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Is Medical Coding Being Replaced by AI?
No. AI is automating routine coding tasks, but human coders remain essential for complex cases, compliance verification, and quality assurance. The role is changing toward auditing and oversight rather than manual code entry.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Coder?
Traditional certificate programs typically take 4-12 months to complete. Add 3-6 months of exam preparation. Most people are job-ready within 12-18 months of starting their training.
What's the Difference Between Medical Billing and Medical Coding?
Medical coding turns medical services into standardized codes. Medical billing takes those codes and processes insurance claims and patient invoices. Many positions combine both functions, though larger organizations separate them.
What's the Most Challenging Aspect of Medical Coding?
The continuous learning requirement. With thousands of codes changing annually, plus evolving payer requirements and healthcare regulations, you never stop studying. Those who dislike ongoing education struggle in this field.
Is Medical Coding Stressful?
Moderately. Deadline pressure is constant, accuracy is critical, and the consequences of errors can be significant. However, compared to direct patient care roles, the stress is manageable and predictable.
How Much Can Experienced Medical Coders Earn?
Experienced coders with multiple certifications and specialized knowledge can earn $70,000-$90,000+ annually. Those transitioning into management, auditing, or education roles can exceed $100,000.
Are There Part-Time Opportunities in Medical Coding?
Yes. Many organizations offer part-time positions, and freelance coding work is common. This flexibility makes it popular for parents, retirees, and those seeking supplemental income.
What Happens if I Can't Find a Remote Position Immediately?
Start in-office to build experience and credibility. Most coders move to remote work after proving their accuracy and productivity.
