Medical Coder in Kentucky

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

Median annual salary
$48,020
trending_down -4.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering
4,040

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule
5 months to 3 years (depending on program type)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Kentucky

In Kentucky, medical coding is not a state-licensed profession, and there is no state-level licensing body. While not strictly required by law, obtaining national certification is a standard expectation for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certificate or associate degree program and then pass a national certification exam from organizations such as AAPC (e.g., Certified Professional Coder - CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., Certified Coding Specialist - CCS).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,150
25th percentile $38,550
50th (median) $48,020
75th percentile $61,410
90th (experienced) $67,440

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

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; completion of a medical billing and coding certificate or associate program is recommended and often preferred by employers.
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., CPC, CCS, CCA, CBCS)
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Kentucky. Certification is voluntary but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA) and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some programs include exam vouchers and/or practicum experience to fulfill experience requirements for certain certifications.

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
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a medical coder in Kentucky? expand_more
The path to medical coder licensure in Kentucky: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of a medical billing and coding certificate or associate program is recommended and often preferred by employers.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., CPC, CCS, CCA, CBCS).
Is a state license required for medical coders in Kentucky? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a medical coder in Kentucky. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Kentucky. Certification is voluntary but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA) and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some programs include exam vouchers and/or practicum experience to fulfill experience requirements for certain certifications.
How much do medical coders make in Kentucky? expand_more
In Kentucky, the median pay for medical coders comes to $48,020/year. That's roughly in line with the $50,250 national median. New medical coders start around $34,150; seasoned professionals can reach $67,440.
How quickly can I become a medical coder in Kentucky? expand_more
The typical timeline in Kentucky is 5 months to 3 years (depending on program type). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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