Medical Coder in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA
Median Salary
$46,730
Pennsylvania (2024)
National Median
$50,250
All states
Time to Complete
Varies depending on program length and individual study habits (e.g., certificate programs can be completed in under a year)
From start to licensed
How to Become a Medical Coder in Pennsylvania
To become a medical coder in Pennsylvania, state licensure is not required. Instead, individuals pursue national certifications from organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), which are industry standards for employment. Key steps include obtaining a high school diploma or GED, completing a medical coding training program, and passing a national certification exam such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS. While there is no state-level reciprocity, national certifications are widely recognized, allowing for cross-state job mobility.
Medical Coder Requirements in Pennsylvania
| Detail | Pennsylvania |
|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body (National certification organizations such as AAPC and AHIMA are the industry standard) |
| State License Required |
No
|
| Education | High school diploma or GED; completion of a medical coding training program is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. |
| Exam |
Varies by certification (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA) ($399) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Pennsylvania. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Employers typically require national certification through organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., CCS/CCA). A background check (Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check) may be required by employers. All medical coders must comply with HIPAA regulations. |
Source: No state-level licensing body (National certification organizations such as AAPC and AHIMA are the industry standard)
Medical Coder Salary in Pennsylvania
The median medical coder salary in Pennsylvania is
$46,730 per year,
which is
7.0% below
the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,040 |
| 25th | $39,330 |
| 50th (median) | $46,730 |
| 75th | $59,080 |
| 90th (experienced) | $74,680 |
Pennsylvania employs approximately 7,220 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
10-Year Growth
+7.1%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
14.2
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
194.8
Nationwide
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Factors to consider: Pennsylvania's cost of living,
the lack of a state license requirement,
strong job growth,
and your personal career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's required to work as a medical coder in Pennsylvania?
The path to medical coder licensure in Pennsylvania: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of a medical coding training program is highly recommended and often preferred by employers.), and pass the Varies by certification (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA).
Is a state license required for medical coders in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Pennsylvania. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Employers typically require national certification through organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., CCS/CCA). A background check (Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check) may be required by employers. All medical coders must comply with HIPAA regulations.
How much does a medical coder make in Pennsylvania?
medical coders in Pennsylvania earn a median of $46,730 annually. That's 7% below the national median of $50,250. The range spans from $35,040 at the entry level to $74,680 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get medical coder certified in Pennsylvania?
Costs include exam fee ($399). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a medical coder in Pennsylvania?
Expect to spend Varies depending on program length and individual study habits (e.g., certificate programs can be completed in under a year) from start to finish in Pennsylvania — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does Pennsylvania require continuing education for medical coders?
To keep your license active, Pennsylvania mandates 36.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.