Medical Coder in Montana

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

Median annual salary
$49,930
trending_down -0.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering
800

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$450

Licensing fees

route How to become a medical coder in Montana

To become a medical coder in Montana, individuals typically need a high school diploma or GED and should complete a medical coding training program, such as a certificate or associate degree. While there is no state-level licensing body, national certification through organizations like the AAPC (e.g., Certified Professional Coder - CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., Certified Coding Specialist - CCS, or Certified Coding Associate - CCA) is a standard requirement for employment. These certifications generally require passing an exam, which can cost around $450, and maintaining continuing education units (CEUs) every two years for renewal. Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession, so reciprocity between states is not applicable.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,610
25th percentile $45,330
50th (median) $49,930
75th percentile $60,360
90th (experienced) $62,200

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

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a medical coding training program (certificate or associate degree recommended).
ExamAAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, or AHIMA CCA ($450)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education36.0 hours per cycle
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Montana. 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). Most employers require national certification and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks. Minimum age for certification exams is typically 18 with a high school diploma or GED.

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 Montana? expand_more
Montana requires medical coders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a medical coding training program (certificate or associate degree recommended).), and pass the AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, or AHIMA CCA.
Do I need a license to work as a medical coder in Montana? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a medical coder in Montana. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Montana. 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). Most employers require national certification and HIPAA compliance training, and many require background checks. Minimum age for certification exams is typically 18 with a high school diploma or GED.
What do medical coders earn in Montana? expand_more
medical coders in Montana earn a median of $49,930 annually. This is close to the national median of $50,250. The range spans from $38,610 at the entry level to $62,200 for top earners.
How expensive is medical coder licensing in Montana? expand_more
Between exam fee ($450), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many CE hours do medical coders need in Montana? expand_more
Yes — medical coders in Montana must complete 36.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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