Impact of Medical Billing and Coding Salary. Medical billers and coders are key parts of the healthcare system, even if they don’t get the credit they deserve. They are responsible for filing patient billing records as hospitals, clinics, and health insurance companies are processing patient records. As this important work attracts more people, one key question interests potential newcomers: What is the pay?
Like any job, the answer to this question is varied and somewhat complex. In addition to their education and experience, a medical biller and coder’s pay is affected by their field of work, geographic area, and whether they work at home or come to the office.
Quick Overview
While both Assistant Psychologists (APs) and Clinical Psychologists support mental health services, their roles vary greatly in terms of responsibility, qualification level, and career direction. Knowing the difference helps psychology graduates plan their next steps effectively.
This guide covers:
✅ Education and qualification requirements for APs vs Clinical Psychologists.
✅ Scope of practice and core responsibilities within NHS and private settings.
✅ Levels of autonomy, supervision, and professional regulation.
✅ Typical salary ranges, NHS banding, and career progression routes.
✅ How each role contributes to patient care and clinical service delivery.
✅ Tips for choosing the best pathway for your psychology career goals.
This guide gives the most important salary factors of medical billing and coding for 2025.
1. What is the Average Medical Billing and Coding Salary 2025?
Before we get into the details, let’s take a look at the estimated pay for a medical billing and coding professional in the UK.
Estimated Average Annual Salary (UK, 2025):
- Entry-Level: £22,000 – £27,000
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): £28,000 – £38,000
- Experienced and Certified: £40,000 – £50,000 and up
In the US, the average annual pay is between $50,000 $65,000. The pay varies depending on specific job certification as well as job title.
Hourly Rates in the UK:
- Junior / Entry-Level: £10 – £13 per hour
- Experienced Coders / Billers: £15 – £25 per hour
These numbers do fluctuate. Let’s dive deeper.
2. How Certification Affects Medical Coder Salary
One of the biggest influences on your income is certification. More employers tend to hire professionals with recognised credentials. It shows that the candidate is competent and dedicated to the field.
Top Certifications and Their Impact:
| Certification | Organisation | Average UK Salary (2025) |
| CPC (Certified Professional Coder) | AAPC | £35,000 – £45,000 |
| CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) | AHIMA | £38,000 – £48,000 |
| CPB (Certified Professional Biller) | AAPC | £33,000 – £43,000 |
| CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder) | AAPC | £36,000 – £46,000 |
Certified professionals can earn 15–25% more than non-certified peers.
CPC vs CCS Medical Coder Salary Comparison
- CPC (AAPC) is ideal for outpatient coding, which covers physician-based practices. It is often the first certification professionals pursue.
- CCS (AHIMA) focuses on inpatient coding in hospitals and healthcare systems, which are typically higher-paying environments.
In short:
If you want to work in clinics or physician offices, CPC is a great starting point. If your goal is to enter hospital-based coding or data analytics, CCS might bring a higher salary.
3. Experience and Skill Level
Just like in any other job, the more experienced you are in medical coding and billing, the more you’re going to get paid. The precision and skills required to do medical coding take time to perfect as you get used to the legislation in the healthcare industry, which changes and evolves constantly.
Typical Career Progression:
| Experience Level | Job Title Examples | Salary Range (UK) |
| Entry-Level (0–1 year) | Billing Clerk, Junior Coder | £22,000 – £27,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 years) | Certified Coder, Billing Specialist | £28,000 – £38,000 |
| Advanced (5+ years) | Coding Auditor, Revenue Cycle Manager | £40,000 – £55,000+ |
Skills That Help With a Salary Increase:
- Proficiency with systems ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS
- Experience with EHR
- Compliance regulations (HIPAA, GDPR)
- Superior analytical and communication skills
Tips:
You will get paid more and progress in your career more quickly if you take refresher courses and continuous professional development (CPD) to update your skills.
4. Medical Billing and Coding Salary by Geographic Location
Where you work can have a significant impact on how much you earn. Salaries vary widely between regions due to cost of living, healthcare demand, and local employment opportunities.
UK Salary Overview by Region:
| Region | Average Annual Salary (2025) |
| London | £38,000 – £50,000+ |
| South East England | £32,000 – £42,000 |
| Midlands | £28,000 – £38,000 |
| North West England | £27,000 – £35,000 |
| Scotland / Wales / Northern Ireland | £25,000 – £33,000 |
In London and major cities, private healthcare organisations, insurers, and large hospital systems pay higher due to competitive markets and the cost of living.
In contrast, rural areas and smaller clinics often offer lower wages but may compensate with remote work flexibility or reduced workload stress.
Globally, US and Canadian coders tend to earn more, but UK salaries are becoming increasingly competitive as healthcare digitalisation expands.
5. Entry-Level Medical Billing Salary Expectations
For beginners entering the field, salaries are modest at first but can rise quickly with experience and certification.
What to Expect:
- Entry-level salary: £22,000 – £27,000 per year
- Junior medical billers: £24,000 – £30,000 per year
- Trainee coders: £25,000 – £32,000 after six months of experience
Ways to Increase Early Pay:
- Gain practical experience through internships or apprenticeships.
- Earn a beginner-level certification (like CPC-A).
- Learn widely used billing software (e.g., Kareo, AdvancedMD, Epic).
- Take on hybrid roles involving both billing and coding.
Pro Tip:
Even without experience, showing strong computer skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of medical terminology can make you stand out to employers.
6. Does Remote Work Increase Medical Coding Salary?
Remote medical billing and coding jobs have skyrocketed in recent years, especially after the shift toward telehealth and digital records. But does working from home actually pay more?
The Short Answer:
Yes — but it depends on the employer and your role.
Why Remote Work Can Increase Earnings:
- You can work for companies outside your local region, often in higher-paying markets (e.g., London or US-based firms).
- You save on commuting and living costs, increasing your net income.
- Many employers pay extra for experienced remote coders who work independently with minimal supervision.
Average Salary Difference (UK, 2025):
| Work Type | Average Annual Pay |
| Office-Based Coder/Biller | £28,000 – £38,000 |
| Remote Medical Coder/Biller | £32,000 – £45,000 |
Tip:
Employers often prioritise certified coders for remote roles, as they’re trusted to deliver quality work without close supervision.
7. Industry and Employer Type
The type of organisation you work for also affects your pay. Hospitals and large healthcare systems typically pay more than small clinics or private practices.
| Employer Type | Average Salary (UK) | Notes |
| Hospitals (NHS & Private) | £35,000 – £50,000 | Complex, high-volume cases |
| Insurance Companies | £30,000 – £45,000 | Focus on claims review and accuracy |
| Outpatient Clinics | £25,000 – £35,000 | Shorter coding cycles, lower complexity |
| Medical Billing Firms | £28,000 – £42,000 | Often offer bonuses for claim success rates |
Tip:
If you’re looking for steady pay and long-term growth, hospital-based roles tend to offer more structured promotions and training programmes.
8. Specialisation and Its Impact on Earnings
Just like doctors, coders and billers can specialise — and specialisation usually leads to higher pay.
Here are some of the highest paying medical coding specialties:
| Specialty Area | Average UK Salary (2025) |
| Surgery Coding | £40,000 – £50,000 |
| Cardiology Coding | £38,000 – £47,000 |
| Oncology Coding | £35,000 – £45,000 |
| Radiology Coding | £33,000 – £43,000 |
| Anaesthesia Coding | £36,000 – £46,000 |
Why They Pay More:
These areas require advanced knowledge, precision, and additional certifications — especially for complex procedures and documentation.
9. Additional Factors That Influence Pay
1. Education Level
While a degree isn’t mandatory, having a background in health information management or medical administration can give you a competitive edge.
2. Performance and Accuracy
Coders who consistently maintain high accuracy rates are often rewarded with bonuses or promotions, as errors can cause major claim denials.
3. Continuing Education
The healthcare field evolves rapidly — keeping your knowledge current with CPD training or annual refreshers can lead to higher-level opportunities.
4. Overtime and Bonuses
Some organisations offer overtime pay, shift differentials, or productivity bonuses based on the number of claims or codes processed.
10. How to Maximise Your Medical Billing and Coding Salary
If you’re aiming to boost your earnings, consider the following strategies:
- Get Certified — The single most effective way to increase pay.
- Gain Experience in High-Demand Specialties like surgery or oncology coding.
- Take on Auditing or Quality Roles that carry higher responsibility.
- Pursue Remote or International Clients for better pay rates.
- Invest in Continuing Professional Development — never stop learning.
Example:
A certified coder with three years’ experience working remotely in a specialised field (like cardiology coding) can easily earn £45,000+ annually in 2025.
Final Thoughts
So, what actually determines your salary in medical billing and coding?
The answer is simple: your certification, experience, location, employer, and specialisation.
Certified experts receive higher salaries, while urban locations provide boosted compensation. Specialised fields like surgical and cancer coding can greatly impact compensation potential as well.
If you’re entering the healthcare billing and coding field, concentrate on skill and experience development. However, if you’ve already obtained your certification, it’s time to explore remote jobs and higher-level certifications to advance your career and income.
As the healthcare field becomes more digital and data-informed, the need for proficient billers and coders continues to grow. Those who consistently enhance their skill sets will maintain their competitive advantage.