Medical Coder in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX
How to Become a Medical Coder in Texas
To become a medical coder in Texas, individuals are not required to hold a state license, as medical coding is a certification-based profession governed by national organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Aspiring coders typically need a high school diploma or GED and should complete a medical coding training program. After training, candidates can pursue national certifications such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) by passing their respective exams. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education, typically 36 CEUs every two years for AAPC CPC holders and 30 CEUs every two years for AHIMA CCS holders.
Medical Coder Requirements in Texas
| Detail | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body; national certifying bodies include AAPC and AHIMA |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED, and completion of a medical coding training program or relevant experience. |
| Exam | AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA (most common) ($399) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Texas. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Most employers require national certification (CPC or CCS) and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks for employees who access protected health information. Minimum age of 18 years old for most training programs. Remote medical coding positions are widely available, allowing coders certified in any state to work for employers nationwide. |
Source: No state-level licensing body; national certifying bodies include AAPC and AHIMA
Medical Coder Salary in Texas
The median medical coder salary in Texas is $47,230 per year, which is 6.0% below the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $31,550 |
| 25th | $37,780 |
| 50th (median) | $47,230 |
| 75th | $61,980 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,140 |
Texas employs approximately 20,390 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Texas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Texas's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.