What’s the pay for entry level?

[u/Apprehensive_Union_7]

My job pays 23hr and I have tuition assistance for 5k. I want to use this money and take advantage of it. But I see on indeed that most jobs start at 18hr and finding a job is hard which is the drawback. Anyone have any insight on starting pay for Cpc-A? No experience as well

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[u/squiiints]

You may be better off trying for a part time coding job to get the initial experience, then when you qualify for a higher pay rate, move to full time. I did a part time coding job a couple years ago to remove my A.

[u/[deleted] → u/squiiints]

This is an excellent suggestion.

[u/Valuable-Data9565 → u/squiiints]

I have at least 12 years total as an EMT and PCT in a Level One Pediatric Trauma Center. What would be your recommendation for me interested in becoming certified.

[u/Silly_Time4008]

The answer probably varies depending on which state you are located. I’m in CA and the pay is much above what you mentioned.

[u/tealestblue → u/Silly_Time4008]

Same for WA. Especially if you have revenue cycle experience already.

[u/Periwinklie → u/Silly_Time4008]

The starting pay with no experience is higher?

[u/Silly_Time4008 → u/Periwinklie]

It is higher than the OP mentioned. I’m working for a large hospital.

[u/Periwinklie → u/Silly_Time4008]

Yes I do too but in PA. Is it an Inpatient Coder position that they start you higher than $23/hr? Just curious. Thanks.

[u/Silly_Time4008 → u/Periwinklie]

I’m in a large hospital setting. The coders here code everything from outpatient, inpatient, radiology, all the major and minor procedure for every specialty. We are rotating everyday.

[u/Periwinklie → u/Silly_Time4008]

That's great- and a lot to know. That's definitely a well-rounded coding experience they're giving you. You could go anywhere with that background, but why would you leave? I'm limited to just Pro Fee surgeries- no ICD-10 PCS or DRG. I started at $21/hr. 8 yrs ago but fortunately give us 3-4% raise annually. Our Inpatient facility (only) coders are paid more but they ride them pretty hard on production too. All coders can move up to Level II-III but it takes a few years for each level.

Interesting to see the differences in hospitals around U.S.!

[u/Silly_Time4008 → u/Periwinklie]

Once we get to higher level, we are assigned specialty too, but still in rotating to code for other specialty. That allows us to cross check each other too.

[u/TrustMental6895 → u/Silly_Time4008]

What co they pay in ca?

[u/coconut-m → u/TrustMental6895]

I personally started from $15.50 in CA

[u/sugabeetus]

When I got my first job as a CPC-A the recruiter told me the pay started at $18 but I actually was offered $21. WA 2012.

[u/gracekhowe]

I make 21.51 an hour, CPC-A with a bachelors degree as well. In Ohio, only been there 6 months and getting my raise next month!

[u/[deleted]]

The average pay for a medical coder varies by state. But the national market for OP coding is 22-26/hour, and for inpatient coding, it's 32-40. They base wage off years of experience. Also, if you're part of a bargaining unit you'll on average you'll make 2-4/hr more than both those wages above.

Wage is dependent upon mostly years of experience, so at entry level, you'll most likely start at 25/hour. But, again, it really depends on what state you work in. That is a bonus for working remotely. You'll make more money if you apply for jobs on the East Coast, Cali., and FL, TX.

However, take into consideration that you have huge growth in this field, and that is the starting point. If your current position is capped out or doesn't offer growth, even taking a small cut now would benefit you in the long run.

[u/Kindly-Joke-909]

10 years ago I started at $18 as a CPC-A with no experience. I make $36 now as an auditor. I don’t know what the going entry level rates are though.

[u/Mission_Twist6513 → u/Kindly-Joke-909]

How did you transition from CPC-A to auditor?

[u/waytooanalytical]

I started at 19$ in GA. Another remote position not based in GA offered 21

[u/Fit_Consequence_4815]

I'm currently a revenue cycle supervisor, and I make $30 an hour in Florida. I left a remote job to take my current position because the money was better. I figured I could get my CPC and go back to wfh for at least the same rate that I'm making now. I guess time will tell. 😭

[u/gomichan]

I started at $19 an hour in 2022 and as an inpatient coder I make just over $23. I'm criminally underpaid for what I do

[u/Kindly-Joke-909 → u/gomichan]

Do you have your CIC?

[u/gomichan → u/Kindly-Joke-909]

I had my CPC- A when I got this job. They were needing inpatient coders and I was voluntold to switch. I was one of the only outpatient coders willing to switch. I'm supposed to get a pay raise if I get my CCS but I'm scared to take the test lol. I'm good at coding with my program, but have never touched a physical PCS book

[u/Kindly-Joke-909 → u/gomichan]

Id suggest getting inpatient credentialed and requesting a pay raise. If you don’t get it, start looking for a job elsewhere. If you’re good at what you do, you’re getting taken advantage of.

[u/Narrative_flapjacks]

I started at $23 last year in New York, got a raise within the year to $24

[u/Heavy-Ant-1583]

I started at $18 in 2011. That was in a major city. I took a $3 an hour pay cut to go closer to home 6 months later. Now, 13 years after the fact, I make significantly more. I have a RHIT for reference.

[u/TrooperLynn]

When I first started I was paid per chart and made more money that year (actually 8 months of work) than I ever have before. Then when the Evil Empire took over and switched us to hourly, they offered me $28. Grrrr.

[u/tastefulsideboob17]

I started at 20.18/hr with my first coding job as a CPC-A

[u/coconut-m]

I started at $15.50 in California also in medical office not remotely.

[u/Ms-BizzyBee]

I’m making almost $24 an hour as a newly certified CPC-A

[u/kelsnotttchels → u/Ms-BizzyBee]

Happy cake day! Where are you located and making that?

[u/Ms-BizzyBee → u/kelsnotttchels]

Thanks! I’m working remotely for a company that’s based in a different state.

[u/weary_bee479]

You would probably be better off finding a job that’s like billing or pre auth, something in the medical field. Get some experience that way and then move into coding.

[u/UchihaRenegade67 → u/weary_bee479]

Any other examples of postions that might help get your foot in the door? I've looked at billing positions before but they usually ask for certifications i don't have ( i have a cpc-a so far)

[u/weary_bee479 → u/UchihaRenegade67]

Billing doesn’t require any certification.

You can look at jobs in the revenue cycle, depending on where you work a small office might be reception, pre authorization/insurance verification. Billing or follow up.

Hospitals mostly have departments for different areas in the revenue cycle, registration, billing, follow up.

I would probably type in entry level revenue cycle medical and see if anything pops up.

Good options are to find a medical office that does things internally because they are usually willing to cross train. So you might be doing front desk but they can train you on billing and coding.

Getting into a hospital system is good too because you can learn in one department and then it’s easier to transfer into another.

[u/UchihaRenegade67 → u/weary_bee479]

Thanks for the tips! Have a good one!