Medical Coder in Michigan

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

Median annual salary
$48,220
trending_down -4.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
4,720

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule
6 months to 3 years (depending on program and certification)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Michigan

In Michigan, medical coding is not a state-licensed profession; however, national certifications are a standard requirement for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically complete a training program or an associate's degree in medical billing and coding, which can take anywhere from six months to three years. Key certifications include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA. There are no state-specific reciprocity agreements as no state license is required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,990
25th percentile $40,060
50th (median) $48,220
75th percentile $60,500
90th (experienced) $70,570

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a training program or associate degree in medical billing and coding is typically expected.
ExamNational certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by AAPC, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) by AHIMA, or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) by NHA.
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Michigan. 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). Employers often expect proficiency in ICD-10 and CPT coding systems, and increasingly in telemedicine coding, coding software systems, and clinical documentation integrity. Some programs prepare for multiple certifications. The Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is also available through the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) in partnership with the Michigan Medical Billers Association (MMBA), with an exam cost of $505 for MMBA members and $655 for non-members, which includes study guide and membership. The CMRS exam is online and has a 45-day completion limit. There are no state-specific age requirements.

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 are the steps to becoming a medical coder in Michigan? expand_more
Michigan requires medical coders to complete the required education (Completion of a training program or associate degree in medical billing and coding is typically expected.), and pass the National certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by AAPC, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) by AHIMA, or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) by NHA..
Do I need a license to work as a medical coder in Michigan? expand_more
Michigan does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Michigan. 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). Employers often expect proficiency in ICD-10 and CPT coding systems, and increasingly in telemedicine coding, coding software systems, and clinical documentation integrity. Some programs prepare for multiple certifications. The Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is also available through the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) in partnership with the Michigan Medical Billers Association (MMBA), with an exam cost of $505 for MMBA members and $655 for non-members, which includes study guide and membership. The CMRS exam is online and has a 45-day completion limit. There are no state-specific age requirements.
How much does a medical coder make in Michigan? expand_more
The median medical coder salary in Michigan is $48,220 per year. This is close to the national median of $50,250. New medical coders start around $36,990; seasoned professionals can reach $70,570.
How long does it take to become a medical coder in Michigan? expand_more
In Michigan, becoming a medical coder generally takes 6 months to 3 years (depending on program and certification), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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