Medical Billing Path

Medical Billing and Coding Careers: Jobs, Pay, and Outlook (2026)

Updated September 2, 2026 · Medical Billing Path Editorial Team · BLS OEWS May 2025

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Key takeaway: Billing and coding careers are counted by BLS as medical records specialists, an occupation with a median wage of $51,140 (May 2025), 194,720 workers, and projected growth of 7.1 percent through 2034. The guides here cover each role, pay by state, the outlook, remote work, and how to start.

If you want desk work in healthcare without another clinical license, start with this cluster. BLS blends billers, coders, and related records staff into one occupation. Starting pay sits near the lower percentiles, and remote work is usually earned after experience.

Where the work is

BLS reports medical records specialists working mostly in hospitals, physician offices, administrative and support services (which includes third-party billing companies), nursing and residential care facilities, and outpatient care centers. Physician offices are the most common entry point; hospitals tend to pay more and ask for more credentials.

Start with the medical coder or medical biller guide, then salary and how to become a medical coder.

Career guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the job outlook for medical billing and coding?
BLS projects employment of medical records specialists to grow 7.1 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with roughly 14,200 openings per year over the decade, most of them from workers who retire or move to other occupations.
How much do medical billers and coders make?
BLS reported a median annual wage of $51,140 for medical records specialists in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,000 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,150. Pay varies by state, setting, experience, and credentials.
Is medical billing and coding a stressful job?
It is detail work with productivity and accuracy targets, and billing includes dealing with denials and patient balances. Many people value that it is desk-based, has predictable hours, and is one of the health occupations most often done remotely once you have experience.
Can I start with no experience?
Yes, after a program and usually a certification. First jobs are often in physician practices, outpatient centers, and billing companies, sometimes as a biller or coding assistant rather than a fully independent coder. See our entry-level guide.
Can I work from home?
Remote jobs exist. Most employers want certification plus production experience first. Plan on an on-site or hybrid first job unless a specific posting says otherwise.