Medical Billing & Coding Career Overview

Career Outlook

The health care industry is flourishing! In fact, medical billing and coding positions are expected to grow 20% by 2018. ^[1] In 2008 alone, Medical billers and coders represented 172,500 jobs and that number is growing every day. ^[2]

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical billing and coding job prospects are excellent! ^[3] Specifically, people who have acquired a solid educational foundation and who possess an understanding of technology and computer software will be in high-demand. ^[4]

Salary

Medical billers and coders earned an average annual salary between $24,290 and $39,490 in 2008. The lowest 10% earned less than $20,440, and the highest 10% earned more than $50,060. ^[3] For a career that can require as little as 1-2 years of education and training, those are excellent numbers to look forward to.

Additionally, 40% of medical billers and coders work in hospitals, which are known to provide employees with some of the best benefits around! ^[4]

Benefits

Employee benefits can vary by workplace. Hospitals are known for offering some of the best benefits around! Often, hospitals will offer comprehensive benefits such as:

• Medical Plans
• Dental Plans
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Funded Retirement Plans
• Paid Life/AD&D Insurance
• Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Programs

Industries with the Highest Level of Employment

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Physician’s offices
• Nursing care facilities
• Outpatient care centers

States with the Highest Level of Employment

• California
• Texas
• Florida
• New York
• Pennsylvania