Medical billing and coding programs, certifications, and pay by state
Compare programs, pick a certification, and see what medical records specialists actually earn in your state. Every wage and opening figure is from BLS. Starting pay sits near the lower percentiles, and remote work usually waits until you have certification plus experience.
- Median pay of $51,140 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025)
- 14,200 projected openings each year, 2024 to 2034 (BLS)
- 892 schools reporting billing, coding, or health information programs (IPEDS)
Find a program near you or online
Start with the question you have
- What is this job, really?Two roles, one claim, and where you would sit in a clinic or hospital.
- Which program should I take?Certificate, diploma, or associate degree, online or on campus, and how long each takes.
- Which certification matters?CPC, CCA, CCS, CBCS, and CPB compared by what employers name, eligibility, and the CPC-A apprentice rule.
- What does it pay?National and state wage percentiles for medical records specialists, straight from BLS.
- Can I work from home?What remote coding jobs require and why employers usually want experience first.
- Which schools are near me?Every state, with the schools that report the program to the Department of Education.
- Is it worth it?Program cost statistics against published wages, with the trade-offs spelled out.
- Is it hard?What is actually difficult, what is not (math), and a self-check before you enroll.
How this site works
- Learn the job. Billing and coding are related but different roles. Our billing vs coding guide explains which one fits you, including if you are not sure yet.
- Pick a credential path. Most people start with a certificate and one entry-level certification. The first job is often on site. See how to become a medical coder.
- Compare schools. Use the finder above or browse schools by state. Every card links to the school's federal IPEDS record so you can verify it. We do not rank anyone number one.
Where medical records specialists earn the most
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $72,040 | 270 |
| Rhode Island | $63,960 | 650 |
| Hawaii | $63,180 | 400 |
| Washington | $62,270 | 5,010 |
| California | $61,810 | 18,700 |
| New York | $61,720 | 9,080 |
| Minnesota | $61,530 | 3,150 |
| Alaska | $61,090 | 1,070 |
| Connecticut | $60,940 | 1,120 |
| Massachusetts | $60,350 | 3,500 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025, SOC 29-2072. All 50 states and percentiles.