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Medical Records Coder III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Records Coder III in the United States is $66,423 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,172
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,923 to $74,143
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,095
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Medical Records Coder III Salaries

A Medical Records Coder III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $73,543.
  • California: $73,263.
  • Massachusetts: $72,283.

Top Paying Cities for Medical Records Coder IIIs

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: $83,773
  • San Francisco: $82,853
  • Oakland: $81,113

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Initiative (Mentioned in 2.39% Job Postings): Taking decisive action and initiating plans independently to address problems, improve professional life, and achieve goals.
  • Physiology (Mentioned in 4.41% Job Postings): It is the branch of biology that aims to understand the mechanisms of living things, from the basis of cell function at the ionic and molecular level to the integrated behaviour of the whole body and the influence of the external environment.
  • Medical Billing (Mentioned in 1.85% Job Postings): Medical billing is a payment practice within the United States health system. The process involves a healthcare provider submitting, following up on, and appealing claims with health insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered; such as testing, treatments, and procedures. The same process is used for most insurance companies, whether they are private companies or government sponsored programs: Medical coding reports what the diagnosis and treatment were, and prices are applied accordingly. Medical billers are encouraged, but not required by law, to become certified by taking an exam such as the CMRS Exam, RHIA Exam, CPB Exam and others. Certification schools are intended to provide a theoretical grounding for students entering the medical billing field. Some community colleges in the United States offer certificates, or even associate degrees, in the field. Those seeking advancement may be cross-trained in medical coding or transcription or auditing, and may earn a bachelor's or graduate degree in medical information science and technology.
Skills Demand Percentage
Initiative 2.39%
Physiology 4.41%
Medical Billing 1.85%
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 III's salary.

  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Interviewing: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Integrity: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Insight $71,737
8%
Interviewing $71,073
7%
Integrity $70,408
6%
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Medical Records Coder III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Medical Records Coder III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,597. While startup companies pay approximate $60,730.

Medical Records Coder III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,730
Growth Stage 51~500 $64,197
Established 501~5000 $69,168
Enterprise 5000+ $71,597

Medical Records Coder III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Medical Records Coder III 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Medical Records Coder III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$99,634$48.050%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$73,065$35.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Medical Records Coder IIIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 III with a Associate's Degree is between $57,742 and $61,982).

Medical Records Coder III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Medical Records Coder III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.5%
High School 54.1%
Associates 33.7%
Bachelors 10.8%
Masters 0.9%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Medical Records Coder III'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
$58,923
Average $66,423/year
$74,143
$4,910
Average $5,535/month
$6,179
$1,133
Average $1,277/week
$1,426
$28
Average $32/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,143 $6,179 $1,426 $36
Average $66,423 $5,535 $1,277 $32
25th Percentile $58,923 $4,910 $1,133 $28

Medical Records Coder III Salary Growth & Career Path

Medical Records Coder III

Next Role

For a Medical Records Coder III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Manager of Medical Records Coding role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $81,000 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Medical Records Coder III

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

Common company salaries for Medical Records Coder III

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

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FAQ about Medical Records Coder III

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

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

2. What is the highest paid medical field in USA?

The highest-paid medical field in the USA includes surgical and procedural specialties like neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, with average annual salaries of $600,000 or more. In contrast, Medical Records Coders earn between $54,353 and $70,983, with a mid-salary of $61,793, reflecting a significant difference in earnings within the medical profession.

3. Is medical records a good career?

Medical records coding is a promising career, driven by the aging population's increasing need for healthcare services. With a projected 8.7% employment growth from 2023 to 2033, it offers competitive salaries ranging from $54,353 to $70,983, with a median salary of $61,793. This field provides stability and opportunities for advancement.

4. Can you be a medical coder with a record?

While having a felony on your record can make it more challenging to secure a job in medical billing and coding, it doesn't make it impossible. Medical Records Coders can expect salaries ranging from $54,353 to $70,983, with a median salary of $61,793. Persistence and skill development can help overcome barriers in this field.

5. What states pay medical coders the most?

What state pays the most? Based on salary data, medical records coders earn between $54,353 and $70,983, with a mid-salary of $61,793. The highest salaries can vary significantly by state, reflecting differences in demand and cost of living. Always check local data for the most accurate figures.

6. How much do medical coders make per hour in the US?

Medical Records Coders in the US earn between $54,353 and $70,983 annually, with a median salary of $61,793. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $26.10 to $34.14, with the median hourly rate around $29.69. Various factors, including experience and location, can influence these earnings.

7. How to make 6 figures as a medical coder?

To achieve a six-figure salary as a medical coder, focus on obtaining certifications like AHIMA CCS, CDIP, and AAPC CPC. Mastery in outpatient and inpatient coding, along with auditing skills, is essential. Additionally, management skills and a Six Sigma Green Belt certification can enhance your prospects. Currently, salaries range from $54,353 to $70,983, with potential for growth.

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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