Medical Coder in Arizona

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

Median annual salary

$49,790

trending_down -0.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.

engineering

3,370

Jobs (AZ)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$500

Licensing fees

schedule

Certificate programs typically under 1 year; Associate's degrees typically 2 years. Certification exam preparation varies.

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Arizona

In Arizona, medical coding is not a state-licensed profession; however, national certification is a standard requirement for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically need a high school diploma or GED, and many employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in medical billing and coding. Key certifications are offered by national organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) with their Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with their Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exams. Certification holders must typically renew every two years and complete continuing education hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,460

25th percentile $40,670

50th (median) $49,790

75th percentile $60,090

90th (experienced) $68,890

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

checklist Arizona requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations like AAPC and AHIMA is standard)
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED equivalent; postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in medical billing and coding is highly recommended and often preferred by employers.
Exam	Various, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA. ($500)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	36.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Arizona. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Minimum age is typically 18 for certification exams (implied by high school diploma/GED prerequisite). Some programs may require a TABE test or exempt those with a post-secondary degree. Background checks are not typically a state requirement for certification but may be required by employers.

Source: No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations like AAPC and AHIMA is standard)

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

How do you get certified as a medical coder in Arizona? expand_more

In Arizona, becoming a medical coder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent; postsecondary certificate or associate's degree in medical billing and coding is highly recommended and often preferred by employers.), and pass the Various, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA..

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

medical coders in Arizona are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Arizona. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Minimum age is typically 18 for certification exams (implied by high school diploma/GED prerequisite). Some programs may require a TABE test or exempt those with a post-secondary degree. Background checks are not typically a state requirement for certification but may be required by employers.

How much does a medical coder make in Arizona? expand_more

In Arizona, the median pay for medical coders comes to $49,790/year. This is close to the national median of $50,250. New medical coders start around $37,460; seasoned professionals can reach $68,890.

What are the fees to become a medical coder in Arizona? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($500) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a medical coder in Arizona? expand_more

Expect to spend Certificate programs typically under 1 year; Associate's degrees typically 2 years. Certification exam preparation varies. from start to finish in Arizona — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a medical coder license in Arizona? expand_more

Yes — medical coders in Arizona must complete 36.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.