Medical Coder in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$47,840

trending_down -4.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering

5,960

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$299

Licensing fees

schedule

4-12 months for certification programs; 2 years for an Associate's Degree.

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in North Carolina

To become a Medical Coder in North Carolina, individuals are not required to hold a state license, as it is not a state-licensed profession. However, obtaining national certification is highly recommended and often a standard requirement for employment. Key certifications include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC or the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from AHIMA. Aspiring coders typically need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a certification program, which can take 4-12 months to complete, or pursue a two-year Associate's Degree.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,170

25th percentile $38,860

50th (median) $47,840

75th percentile $62,350

90th (experienced) $79,250

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body; national certification organizations like AAPC and AHIMA offer certifications.
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED equivalent is typically required for entry into programs. Many employers prefer candidates with a certificate, diploma, or Associate's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding.
Exam	Various, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from AHIMA. ($299)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	36.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in North Carolina. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment by many healthcare facilities. Employers often value certifications like CPC, CCS, or CCA. A high school diploma or GED is generally needed to begin education in medical coding. Some programs, like UNC Charlotte's, recommend prior experience or coursework in medical terminology. Background checks and drug screenings may be required for externship and job placement services.

Source: No state-level licensing body; national certification organizations like AAPC and AHIMA offer certifications.

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

Wondering if a medical coder career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a medical coder in North Carolina? expand_more

The path to medical coder licensure in North Carolina: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent is typically required for entry into programs. Many employers prefer candidates with a certificate, diploma, or Associate's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding.), and pass the Various, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC, and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from AHIMA..

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

No state license is needed to work as a medical coder in North Carolina. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in North Carolina. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment by many healthcare facilities. Employers often value certifications like CPC, CCS, or CCA. A high school diploma or GED is generally needed to begin education in medical coding. Some programs, like UNC Charlotte's, recommend prior experience or coursework in medical terminology. Background checks and drug screenings may be required for externship and job placement services.

How much do medical coders make in North Carolina? expand_more

The median medical coder salary in North Carolina is $47,840 per year. That's roughly in line with the $50,250 national median. The range spans from $35,170 at the entry level to $79,250 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a medical coder in North Carolina? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($299) and required training.

How quickly can I become a medical coder in North Carolina? expand_more

Expect to spend 4-12 months for certification programs; 2 years for an Associate's Degree. from start to finish in North Carolina — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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

To keep your license active, North Carolina mandates 36.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.