Medical Coder in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$49,150

trending_down -2.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

2,860

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule

5 months to 3 years (depending on program type and certification)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Missouri

In Missouri, medical coders are not state-licensed; however, national certification is a standard requirement for employment. Aspiring medical coders typically need a high school diploma or GED and often complete a certificate or associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Key certifications include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from AHIMA, or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA. To maintain AHIMA credentials, 20 continuing education units (CEUs) are required every two years, with a minimum of two CEUs focused on privacy and security.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,590

25th percentile $42,760

50th (median) $49,150

75th percentile $61,290

90th (experienced) $75,230

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED; most employers prefer a certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding.
Exam	National certification exams such as CPC (AAPC), CCS or CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Missouri. Certification is voluntary but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC), AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA, RHIT), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some certifications, like the AAPC CPC-A, require one year of experience to remove the 'Apprentice' status, though programs like Practicode can fulfill this requirement. Minimum age is typically 18 for certificate programs.

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

How do I become a medical coder in Missouri? expand_more

Missouri requires medical coders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; most employers prefer a certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding.), and pass the National certification exams such as CPC (AAPC), CCS or CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA).

Do I need a license to work as a medical coder in Missouri? expand_more

Missouri does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Missouri. Certification is voluntary but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC), AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA, RHIT), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some certifications, like the AAPC CPC-A, require one year of experience to remove the 'Apprentice' status, though programs like Practicode can fulfill this requirement. Minimum age is typically 18 for certificate programs.

How much does a medical coder make in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, the median pay for medical coders comes to $49,150/year. This is close to the national median of $50,250. Wages range from $36,590 (10th percentile) up to $75,230 (90th percentile).

How long does it take to become a medical coder in Missouri? expand_more

Expect to spend 5 months to 3 years (depending on program type and certification) from start to finish in Missouri — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What are the continuing education requirements for medical coders in Missouri? expand_more

Yes — medical coders in Missouri must complete 20.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.