Medical Coder in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.
Jobs (IL)
10-yr job growth
Time to complete
route How to become a medical coder in Illinois
Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Illinois, meaning there is no state-level licensing body. While not legally mandated, obtaining professional certification from organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is highly recommended and often required by employers. Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certification program or an Associate's Degree, which can take between six months and three years, and then pass a national certification exam such as the CPC, CCS, or CCA.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Illinois requirements
| Licensing body | No state-level licensing body |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; completion of a certification program or Associate's Degree recommended |
| Exam | Varies by certifying body (e.g., CPC, CCS, CCA) |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Illinois. Certification is voluntary but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). Employers often prefer or require these credentials. Continuing education is necessary to maintain certifications. |
Source: No state-level licensing body
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.1%)