As of July 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:
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A Medical Records Coder I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Records Coder I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Records Coder I | 0-1 years | $41,062 |
| Clinical Coding Specialist II | 1-3 years | $50,429 |
| Clinical Coding Specialist III | 3-5 years | $66,377 |
| Manager of Medical Records Coding | 5+ years | $80,974 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 12.14% |
| Health Information Management | 3.61% |
| EHR | 2.55% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
McKesson
|
$48,478 |
18%
|
|
Innovation
|
$48,067 |
17%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$46,835 |
14%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$44,370 |
8%
|
|
Commitment
|
$44,370 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$44,370 |
8%
|
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 $44,321. While startup companies pay approximate $37,593.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $37,593 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $39,735 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $42,827 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $44,321 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $61,624 | $30.0 | 50% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $49,300 | $24.0 | 20% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $62,200 | 51% |
| Clinical Coding Specialist II | $50,500 | 23% |
Salaries for a Medical Records Coder I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,521 in 2023 to around $40,450 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Medical Records Coder I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,521 |
| 2024 | $40,899 |
| 2025 | $40,450 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Medical Records Coder I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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