Medical Coder in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$38,540

trending_down -23.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

2,630

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$390

Licensing fees

schedule

4-24 months (depending on program type)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Alabama

Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Alabama; instead, national certifications are the industry standard and are typically required by employers. Aspiring medical coders should complete a training program, often lasting 4-24 months, and then pass a certification exam from organizations like AAPC (e.g., Certified Professional Coder - CPC), AHIMA (e.g., Certified Coding Specialist - CCS or Certified Coding Associate - CCA), or NHA (e.g., Certified Billing and Coding Specialist - CBCS). While there is no state licensing body, these national certifications require continuing education units (CEUs) for renewal, typically every two years.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,300

25th percentile $33,380

50th (median) $38,540

75th percentile $49,290

90th (experienced) $62,660

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body (National certifying bodies: AAPC, AHIMA, NHA)
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a medical coding training program is highly recommended and often required for certification exams.
Exam	Varies by certifying body (e.g., CPC, CCS, CCA, CBCS) ($390)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Alabama. 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), AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Most employers require national certification (CPC or CCS) and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks. Some AAPC certifications (like CPC) may initially be awarded as 'Apprentice' (CPC-A) requiring proof of experience or completion of a practicum to remove the 'A'. Minimum age of 18 is often required for training programs.

Source: No state-level licensing body (National certifying bodies: AAPC, AHIMA, NHA)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,200

Nationwide per year

Total employment

194,800

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.1%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a medical coder in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama requires medical coders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a medical coding training program is highly recommended and often required for certification exams.), and pass the Varies by certifying body (e.g., CPC, CCS, CCA, CBCS).

Is a state license required for medical coders in Alabama? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a medical coder in Alabama. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Alabama. 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), AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Most employers require national certification (CPC or CCS) and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks. Some AAPC certifications (like CPC) may initially be awarded as 'Apprentice' (CPC-A) requiring proof of experience or completion of a practicum to remove the 'A'. Minimum age of 18 is often required for training programs.

What is the average medical coder salary in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama medical coders bring home a median salary of $38,540. That's 23% below the national median of $50,250. New medical coders start around $28,300; seasoned professionals can reach $62,660.

How much does it cost to become a medical coder in Alabama? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($390). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a medical coder in Alabama? expand_more

Most candidates in Alabama complete the process in 4-24 months (depending on program type), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do medical coders need in Alabama? expand_more

To keep your license active, Alabama mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.