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Medical Records Coder I Salary in the United States

How much does a Medical Records Coder I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Records Coder I in the United States is $41,083 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Medical Records Coder I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,432
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,563 to $45,453
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,358
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Medical Records Coder I Salaries

A Medical Records Coder I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Medical Records Coder I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Medical Records Coder Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $45,483.
  • California: $45,313.
  • Massachusetts: $44,703.

Top Paying Cities for Medical Records Coder Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $51,813
  • San Francisco: $51,243
  • Oakland: $50,163

What Skills Can Increase a Medical Records Coder I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 12.14% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Health Information Management (Mentioned in 3.61% Job Postings): Health information management (HIM) is information management applied to health and health care. It is the practice of acquiring, analyzing and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. With the widespread computerization of health records, traditional (paper-based) records are being replaced with electronic health records (EHRs). The tools of health informatics and health information technology are continually improving to bring greater efficiency to information management in the health care sector. Both hospital information systems and Human Resource for Health Information System (HRHIS) are common implementations of HIM. Health information management professionals plan information systems, develop health policy, and identify current and future information needs. In addition, they may apply the science of informatics to the collection, storage, analysis, use, and transmission of information to meet legal, professional, ethical and administrative records-keeping requirements of health care delivery. They work with clinical, epidemiological, demographic, financial, reference, and coded healthcare data. Health information administrators have been described to "play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare in the United States through their focus on the collection, maintenance and use of quality data to support the information-intensive and information-reliant healthcare system".
  • EHR (Mentioned in 2.55% Job Postings): An electronic health record is the systematized collection of patient and population electronically stored health information in a digital format. These records can be shared across different health care settings
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 12.14%
Health Information Management 3.61%
EHR 2.55%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Medical Records Coder I's salary.

  • McKesson: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
McKesson $48,478
18%
Innovation $48,067
17%
Collaboration $46,835
14%
Get Latest Data

Medical Records Coder I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Medical Records Coder I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $44,283. While startup companies pay approximate $37,562.

Medical Records Coder I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $37,562
Growth Stage 51~500 $39,706
Established 501~5000 $42,781
Enterprise 5000+ $44,283

Medical Records Coder I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Medical Records Coder I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Medical Records Coder positions in Insurance or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Medical Records Coder I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Medical Records Coder I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$61,624$30.050%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$49,300$24.020%

How Education impacts a Medical Records Coder I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Medical Records Coder Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Medical Records Coder I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,984 and $43,803).

Medical Records Coder I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Medical Records Coder I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 35.1%
Associates 44.1%
Bachelors 19.1%
Masters 0.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Medical Records Coder I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Medical Records Coder I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$37,563
Average $41,083/year
$45,453
$3,130
Average $3,424/month
$3,788
$722
Average $790/week
$874
$18
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,453 $3,788 $874 $22
Average $41,083 $3,424 $790 $20
25th Percentile $37,563 $3,130 $722 $18

Medical Records Coder I Salary Growth & Career Path

Medical Records Coder I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Medical Records Coder I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Cancer Tumor Registrar $62,300 52%
Clinical Coding Specialist II $50,500 23%

Most common benefits for Medical Records Coder I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Medical Records Coder I

Here are companies hiring for Medical Records Coder I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Medical Records Coder I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Medical Records Coder I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Medical Records Coder I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. How much does a medical records job pay in the US?

In the US, the salary for a Medical Records Coder typically ranges from a minimum of $38,973 to a maximum of $49,483, with a median salary of $43,913. This reflects the average earnings in the field, providing a clear picture of potential compensation for this role.

3. Can I make 6 figures as a medical coder?

While the average salary for a Medical Records Coder ranges from $38,973 to $49,483, experienced coders can significantly increase their earnings. By advancing to roles such as peer reviewers, supervisors, or auditors, and even becoming consultants, they can potentially reach a six-figure salary. Medical coding offers flexibility and a solid income in the healthcare industry.

4. How much does a medical coder earn in the USA?

The salary range for medical records coders in the USA is between $38,973 and $49,483 per year. The midpoint salary is approximately $43,913. Additional compensation may vary, but this range provides a clear overview of what medical coders can expect to earn annually.

5. Is medical records a good career?

Medical records is a promising career, especially with the aging population increasing the demand for healthcare services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8.7% employment growth for medical records technicians from 2023 to 2033. Salaries range from $38,973 to $49,483, with a median salary of $43,913, making it a financially viable option in the healthcare field.

6. What type of coders get paid the most?

Medical Records Coders earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $38,973, a mid-range of $43,913, and a maximum of $49,483. While various coding roles exist, those specializing in medical records often find themselves among the higher earners in the healthcare sector, reflecting the importance of accurate coding in patient care and billing processes.

7. Why did I quit medical coding?

I decided to quit medical coding because, despite the salary range of $38,973 to $49,483, I found the work to be repetitive and lacking in growth opportunities. I wanted to pursue a career that offered more challenges and personal fulfillment, rather than being confined to a role that felt stagnant and unengaging.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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