How Much Do RN Coders Make?
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Credit: AndreyPopoc / iStock / Getty Images PlusNurse coding jobs offer another career option to registered nurses (RNs) seeking non-clinical work. An RN coder can work from home and has a more predictable work schedule compared to nurses, who often work overnight, holiday, and weekend shifts. This guide highlights RN coder salaries and how to improve your salary potential.
Average Salary for RN Coders
RN coders earn an average annual salary of $84,699, or $41 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. RN coder salaries are comparable to clinical nurse salaries and are typically higher than other coding and billing salaries.
To become an RN coder, you need an active registered nursing license, which requires an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Holding an RN license can help coders pursue higher average salaries than other health technology professionals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health information technologists and medical registrars earned a median annual salary of $58,250 as of May 2022. RN jobs can pay $61,250-$129,400, reports the BLS, depending on the nursing specialty.
Factors that may influence your earnings include your healthcare degree, experience, credentials, setting, and location.
$84,699
Average Annual Salary
Source: ZipRecruiter
$41
Average Hourly Wage
Source: ZipRecruiter
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Highest-Paying States for RN Coders
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) provides state-level salary data for medical billing and coding professionals.
While these salaries do not reflect earnings for RN coder jobs specifically, they may provide insights as to where RN coders can anticipate higher or lower wages.
On the low end, billing and coding specialists in West Virginia make an average annual salary of $52,556. But California billers and coders earn the highest average salary of $76,695.
| Rank | State | 2023 Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $76,695 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $73,611 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $72,510 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $70,228 |
| 5 | New York | $70,187 |
How Do RN Coder Salaries Compare to Other Healthcare Roles?
The BLS projects medical records specialist jobs to increase by 8% from 2022-2032, which is faster than the average growth for all U.S. jobs. The continued use of electronic health records and a growing aging population will contribute to the increased demand for nurse coders.
While registered nurses earn a higher average salary than coders, RN coders make more on average than technologists and technicians without an RN license.
Four Ways to Increase Pay as an RN Coder
RN coders can increase their salaries by taking proactive steps, including earning certifications, obtaining a higher degree, pursuing a specialty, and changing work settings.
- 1
Earn Additional Certifications and Credentials
RN coders earn above-average salaries, and obtaining certification can further boost their salary potential. The AAPC indicates that RN coders can increase their paychecks with certifications, including certified professional billers, certified professional coders, and certified outpatient coders.
- 2
Choose a Specialty
RN coders can gain recognition for their expertise and boost their salaries by pursuing specialties through the AAPC. Specialties include cardiology, dermatology, anesthesia and pain management, and pediatrics. Nurse coders understand specific medical terminology to handle insurance and patient claims.
- 3
Earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing
It only takes an associate degree in nursing to become an RN coder, but earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) provides advancement opportunities. With a BSN, RN coders can become medical and health services managers who earn a median annual salary of $104,830, according to the BLS.
- 4
Change Practice Settings
Salaries for RN coders vary by setting. RN coders can find the highest salaries working for major healthcare organizations. Health systems pay medical billing and coding professionals an average salary of $59,129, according to the AAPC. Those at solo practices and small group practices might earn $50,709 a year.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN Coder Salaries
Yes. The growing aging population will require employers to hire more RN coders. Individuals with knowledge of specialized systems will be in high demand. RN coders enjoy relative job security.
Surf City, New Jersey, pays nurse coders the highest average salary of $92,098, according to Ziprecruiter. The second and third highest-paying cities for RN coders are Bolinas, California, and Harris, Minnesota, which pay nurse coders average salaries of $91,012 and $89,431, respectively.
The AAPC recommends that RN coders earn certifications in specialty areas to compete in the changing job market. RN coders can continue to grow professionally by pursuing higher degrees and keeping up to date on changes in the field.
RN coders pay for courses and exams, along with other expenses. AAPC offers courses that cost about $2,295-$3,095. Exams cost $399-$475 and include two attempts. Members receive significant discounts. RN coders can also take supplementary courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
