As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Records Coding Technician I in the United States is $41,062 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Medical Records Coding Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Medical Records Coding Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $45,432 | $3,786 | $874 | $22 |
| Average | $41,062 | $3,422 | $790 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,546 | $3,129 | $722 | $18 |
A Medical Records Coding Technician 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 Coding Technician 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 Coding Technician I | 0-1 years | $41,062 |
| Medical Records Coding Technician II | 1-3 years | $50,435 |
| Medical Records Coding Technician III | 3-5 years | $66,389 |
| Medical Records Coding Manager | 5+ years | $80,972 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 12.14% |
| Health Information Management | 3.61% |
| EHR | 2.55% |
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 Coding Technician I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| McKesson | $48,453 | |
| Innovation | $48,043 | |
| Collaboration | $46,811 |
Medical Records Coding Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $44,235. While startup companies pay approximate $37,543.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $37,543 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $39,678 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $42,743 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $44,235 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Medical Records Coding Technician I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Medical Records Coding Technician I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $41,603 and $44,406.
| Typical Education for Medical Records Coding Technician 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% |
Understanding how a Medical Records Coding Technician 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $45,432 | $3,786 | $874 | $22 |
| Average | $41,062 | $3,422 | $790 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,546 | $3,129 | $722 | $18 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Medical Records Coding Technician 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tumor Registrar | $62,195 | 51% |
| Medical Records Coding Technician II | $50,435 | 23% |
Salaries for a Medical Records Coding Technician 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 Coding Technician 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
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Medical Records Coding Technician I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Medical Records Coding Technician I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Medical Records Coding Technician I is $51,792.
The highest pay for Medical Records Coding Technician I is $49,411.
The lowest pay for Medical Records Coding Technician I is $34,345.
Abstracts clinical information from medical records and assigns the appropriate ICD or CPT codes using industry-standard coding guidelines. Assigns required DRG (diagnosis-related grouping) codes. Works with coding databases and software to input and maintain data according to standard procedures. Performs quality audits of work. Maintains and up-to-date knowledge of coding and documentation requirements. Does not require a medical coding certification. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Medical Records Coding Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: