Lucrative Medical Careers: Insurance Biller Salary Insights

how much does a medical insurance biller make

Medical billing is a critical function in the healthcare industry, ensuring doctors and nurses receive reimbursements for their services. As of 2025, the median salary for a medical biller in the US is around $50,250 per year or $24.16 per hour. However, salaries can vary depending on several factors, including location, level of education, years of experience, and work environment. For example, an entry-level medical billing clerk in California in 2024 could expect to earn about $47,406 per year. In contrast, a medical biller in Washington, D.C., can earn up to $70,900 per year. Insurance agencies tend to pay the highest salaries for medical billers, while physician offices and outpatient care centers typically offer lower wages.

Characteristics Values
Average salary in the United States $20.37 per hour or $40,750 per year
Median salary in the United States $50,250 per year or $24.16 per hour
Average salary in California $48,685 per year
Average salary in San Francisco 25% above the national average
Average salary in Miami 3.5% lower than the national average
Average salary in Washington, D.C. $70,900 per year
Average salary for certified coders 8.5% more than non-certified coders
Average salary in the West Coast Highest median salaries for medical records and health information specialists

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Medical insurance biller salary by state

The salary of a medical insurance biller varies across the United States. The national median salary for medical records technicians and health information technicians in 2017 was $39,180 per year according to the BLS. However, in 2025, the national average hourly salary for a medical biller was $20.52 per hour, with the overall average ranging from $12.98 to $27.40. The average salary for a medical biller is $20.37 per hour, with an entry-level medical biller earning about $15.35 per hour. An early-career medical biller with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $17.56 per hour.

Location is a significant factor in determining the salary of a medical biller. The cost of living and demand for medical billers in a particular state or city influence the salary. For example, medical billers in Washington, D.C., earn an average of $70,900 per year, one of the highest in the nation. Florida, on the other hand, ranks 65 out of 50 states for medical biller salaries, with an average hourly wage of $19.00.

The type of work setting also affects a medical biller's salary. Insurance agencies tend to pay the most, while medical and surgical hospitals fall in the middle. The lowest median salaries are found in physician's offices and outpatient care centers. Additionally, large health systems tend to pay higher salaries than small physician's offices.

Credentials and certifications can also impact a medical biller's earning potential. For example, the American Academy of Professional Coders' 2016 Salary Survey showed that coders with the Certified Professional Coder credential earned an average of $52,690 per year. Coders with two or more AAPC credentials earned an average of $60,305, while those with three or more credentials earned an average of $66,999 per year.

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Medical insurance biller salary by city

The salary of a medical insurance biller varies depending on location, experience, and cost of living. The median average medical billing and coding salary is $50,250 per year or $24.16 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries vary nationwide, and location is one of the most significant variables in determining earnings.

In Washington, D.C., for example, the average salary is $70,900 per year, one of the highest in the nation. The District of Columbia, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts are the top five states with the highest salaries for insurance billers. The average salary in the District of Columbia is the highest of these. The average salary for a medical biller in the United States is $20.37 per hour, with entry-level positions earning an average of $15.35 per hour, and early-career positions earning an average of $17.56 per hour.

The city with the highest salary for insurance billers is San Jose, followed by other high-paying cities such as Corcoran, CA, and Justin, TX, where salaries vary by as much as 29%. In contrast, the average salary for the top ten cities, including Nome, AK, and Santa Cruz, CA, varies by only 7%.

It is important to note that salaries can also differ based on the employer, level of education, and management experience. Medical billers can increase their earning potential by gaining advanced degrees, overseeing more junior medical billers, or considering a career move to a new employer that pays higher wages for the same skills.

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Medical insurance biller salary by experience

A medical insurance biller's salary varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, level of education, and work environment. The median salary for a medical biller in the United States is around $20.37 per hour or $48,500 annually. However, salaries can range from $18.60 per hour for entry-level positions to over $25 per hour for those with 20 or more years of experience.

Location plays a significant role in determining a medical biller's salary, with states like New York, New Hampshire, and California offering higher wages. The West Coast, including Hawaii and Alaska, tends to have the highest median salaries for medical billers, while the East South Central states offer lower wages. Additionally, the type of workplace can impact earnings, with insurance agencies typically paying the most and physician offices and outpatient care centers offering lower salaries.

Experience is another critical factor influencing a medical biller's salary. Entry-level positions may start at around $18.60 per hour, while those with 8-10 years of experience can expect an average annual salary of $57,769. Medical billers with management experience, overseeing more junior staff, also tend to earn higher wages.

Furthermore, medical billers with advanced degrees or additional certifications can command higher salaries. The AAPC, one of the main medical billing programs in the country, offers certifications that can increase earning potential by almost $25,000 per year.

It's worth noting that medical billers who work more than 40 hours a week, either through overtime or salaried positions, may also be compensated with higher pay. Additionally, changing employers and finding organizations that value their skills can be a way for medical billers to increase their earnings.

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Medical insurance biller salary by education

The salary of a medical insurance biller can vary depending on several factors, including education, experience, location, and certification.

Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical records technicians and health information technicians in 2017 was $39,180. However, those with higher education levels tend to earn more. For example, a bachelor's degree can add approximately 10.2% to your annual salary, while a graduate degree can increase earning potential by up to 28.2% compared to those with no post-secondary education.

Experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of a medical insurance biller. An entry-level position can start at an average hourly rate of $15.35, while an early career position with 1-4 years of experience can earn an average of $17.56 per hour. With over 20 years of experience, a medical biller can expect to earn over $20 per hour.

Location

The cost of living and population density can impact the salaries of medical billers. The West Coast, including Hawaii and Alaska, tends to offer higher median salaries for medical records and health information specialists due to the higher cost of living in these areas.

Certification

Earning certifications in medical billing and coding can significantly increase earning potential. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers various certifications, with the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) being one of the most recognized credentials. Those with this certification earned an average annual salary of $52,690 in 2016, according to the AAPC's salary survey. Medical billers can also pursue other certifications such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Overall, the salary of a medical insurance biller can vary widely depending on a combination of factors, including education, experience, location, and certification. Those with higher education levels, more experience, specialized certifications, and working in areas with a higher cost of living tend to earn higher salaries.

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Medical insurance biller salary by work setting

The salary of a medical insurance biller varies depending on several factors, including work setting, location, level of education, years of experience, and work environment.

The type of work setting, such as the specific healthcare facility, can influence how much a medical insurance biller is paid. Insurance agencies tend to pay billers and coders the most. Medical and surgical hospitals have salaries that are around the middle range. The lowest median salaries for medical billers and coders are typically found in physician's offices and outpatient care centers.

Some medical billers and coders work remotely, either as independent contractors who work directly with healthcare organizations or as remote employees of a hospital or clinic. Salaries for remote positions may differ from those of on-site employees.

Other Factors Affecting Salary

Location is a significant factor in determining salaries for medical billers and coders. The West Coast, including Hawaii and Alaska, offers the highest median salaries for these professionals. Metropolitan areas, such as Washington, D.C., also tend to have higher salaries.

The level of education and experience can also impact earnings. Gaining advanced degrees and certifications can increase income potential and lead to promotions. Additionally, managing more junior medical billers can result in higher salaries.

Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a medical insurance biller in the US is $48,500 per year or $24.16 per hour. However, salaries vary depending on location, with Washington D.C. being one of the highest-paying cities at $70,900 per year.

Aside from location, the salary of a medical insurance biller can also depend on their level of experience, education, and certification.

The salary range for a medical insurance biller can vary significantly, with some sources reporting a range of $14.78 to $24.31 per hour, while others state that salaries can go as high as $70,900 per year in certain cities.

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