Medical Coder in Georgia

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

Median annual salary
$48,990
trending_down -2.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.

engineering
5,280

Jobs (GA)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies by program (e.g., 6-12 months for certificate programs, up to 3 years for associate degree)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Georgia

In Georgia, medical coders are not required to be state-licensed. However, obtaining a national certification is highly recommended and often a prerequisite for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certification preparation course, often requiring a high school diploma or GED, and then pass a national exam such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,500
25th percentile $39,780
50th (median) $48,990
75th percentile $62,750
90th (experienced) $78,300

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

checklist Georgia requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED for national certification exams; post-secondary education (certificate or associate degree) is commonly pursued.
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA, NHA CBCS)
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Georgia. Certification is voluntary but highly recommended and often a requirement for employment. National certifications are offered by organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC, COC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Some programs integrate experience requirements for full certification (e.g., AAPC's Practicode for CPC-A removal).

Source: No state-level licensing body

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
Wondering if a medical coder career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a medical coder in Georgia? expand_more
In Georgia, becoming a medical coder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED for national certification exams; post-secondary education (certificate or associate degree) is commonly pursued.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA, NHA CBCS).
Is a state license required for medical coders in Georgia? expand_more
medical coders in Georgia are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Georgia. Certification is voluntary but highly recommended and often a requirement for employment. National certifications are offered by organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC, COC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Some programs integrate experience requirements for full certification (e.g., AAPC's Practicode for CPC-A removal).
What is the average medical coder salary in Georgia? expand_more
In Georgia, the median pay for medical coders comes to $48,990/year. — within a few percent of the $50,250 national figure. New medical coders start around $34,500; seasoned professionals can reach $78,300.
What's the timeline to become a medical coder in Georgia? expand_more
Most candidates in Georgia complete the process in Varies by program (e.g., 6-12 months for certificate programs, up to 3 years for associate degree), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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