How Much Does a Certified Professional Coder Make? (2025)

Understanding the certified professional coder salary is important for employers and job candidates. As of July 7, 2025, the average annual salary for a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) in the United States is $66,305 per year, or approximately $32 per hour, according to recent data.

This salary guide explores the role of a professional coder, including job responsibilities, earnings, and factors influencing income, such as location, experience, and specialized knowledge.

Below, we dive into the details of this career path, including how to become a certified professional coder, the impact of additional certifications, and answers to common questions about this valuable profession in the healthcare industry.

What Does a Certified Professional Coder Do?

A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) plays an important role in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities. These medical coders review patients’ medical records to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. They assign standardized clinical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services which are important for medical billing, insurance reimbursement, and data analysis.

Coders also manage electronic health records, ensuring security and confidentiality while facilitating efficient storage, retrieval, and quality reporting. Proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy, and health information concepts is essential, as is adherence to strict regulatory standards.

This role is primarily found in the healthcare industry, though it may also appear in other service-oriented fields. According to BLS, typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring a bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of related experience.

What is Certified Professional Coder Salary Overview?

As mentioned above, the average certified professional coder salary in the United States is $66,305 per year or $32 per hour, as of July 7, 2025.

Based on our data, the certified professional coder salary is between $52,168 to $81,015 per year, with most earning reported between $58,905 and $74,005. The certified professional coder salary per month is $5,525.

Moreover, a certified professional coder often earns an average of $32 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $25 to $39. The average weekly salary for a certified professional coder is $1,275, with pay ranging from $1,003 to $1,558.

2025 Certified Professional Coder Average Salary: $66,305 per year ($32 per hour)

Meanwhile, the core median salary for certified professional coder is $89,351 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.

The average total salary for a certified professional coder is $89,351, according to our report. The total compensation package for the job title includes benefits like healthcare ($6,056), time off ($7,828), and Social Security ($4,866), which make up 21% of the total compensation.

What Can Affect Certified Professional Coder Salaries?

The salary of certified professional coder varies based on factors such as experience, geographical location, and skills. Here's a breakdown of these key factors:

By Experience Level

According to our report, certified professional coders with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $63,975 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average of $70,323 per year. More years of experience typically lead to higher salaries.

By Geographic Location

Apart from experience level, the salary of a certified professional coder in the United States also varies by location, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.

For example, among major cities in the United States, San Jose has the highest average salary at $83,605 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $63,705 and $65,505 per year, respectively.

By Employer Type

Employer types also affect salary. Coders in large hospitals or specialized healthcare settings may earn more than those in smaller clinics or non-healthcare companies. Those working for outpatient facilities or consulting firms often see competitive earnings due to demand for certified professionals.

By Skills

High-demand skills drive salary increases for certified professional coders. Our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with medical information coding skills see a salary increase of +12.19%, while those with health information documentation skills see an increase of +8.12%. The demand for these skills is 51.63% and 30.05%, respectively.

How to Become a Certified Professional Coder?

Becoming a CPC requires a blend of education, certification, and relevant skills. Here’s how to develop a career as a professional coder:

• Get education: Most CPCs need at least a high school diploma, though some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in healthcare, business, or a related field. Online courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding can provide foundational knowledge. Enrolling in programs accredited by the AAPC is highly recommended.
• Earn Certification: The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is the gold standard. Passing the CPC exam demonstrates expertise in coding and billing. Additional certifications, such as Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), can further enhance career prospects and salary.
• Gain experience: Start with entry-level positions in medical billing, administrative support, or health information management. These jobs build relevant skills like data entry, record management, and familiarity with coding systems.
• Develop key skills: CCPCs need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in medical terminology and coding software. Quality communication and organizational skills are also crucial for collaborating with healthcare teams and ensuring accurate billing.

What are the FAQs about Certified Professional Coder?

Here are some common questions about certified professional coder salary:

Is certified professional coder a good job?

Yes, being a CPC is a rewarding career. Coders are valuable for ensuring accurate medical billing and data management, improving healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes. The role offers stability, growth potential, and opportunities in various healthcare settings.

What skills do you need to be a certified professional coder?

Key skills include medical terminology, anatomy, coding proficiency, and data management. According to Salary.com’s report, high-demand skills like medical information coding, health information documentation, and quality assurance can lead to higher salaries.

How do additional certifications impact salary?

Additional certifications like COC or CIC can enhance earnings by demonstrating specialized knowledge. These credentials often lead to roles in outpatient or inpatient settings with higher salaries.