Medical Coder in Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary

$46,730

trending_down -7.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering

7,220

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$399

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies depending on program length and individual study habits (e.g., certificate programs can be completed in under a year)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Pennsylvania

To become a medical coder in Pennsylvania, state licensure is not required. Instead, individuals pursue national certifications from organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), which are industry standards for employment. Key steps include obtaining a high school diploma or GED, completing a medical coding training program, and passing a national certification exam such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS. While there is no state-level reciprocity, national certifications are widely recognized, allowing for cross-state job mobility.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,040

25th percentile $39,330

50th (median) $46,730

75th percentile $59,080

90th (experienced) $74,680

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

checklist Pennsylvania requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body (National certification organizations such as AAPC and AHIMA are the industry standard)
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED; completion of a medical coding training program is highly recommended and often preferred by employers.
Exam	Varies by certification (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA) ($399)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	36.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Pennsylvania. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Employers typically require national certification through organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., CCS/CCA). A background check (Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check) may be required by employers. All medical coders must comply with HIPAA regulations.

Source: No state-level licensing body (National certification organizations such as AAPC and AHIMA are the industry standard)

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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a medical coder in Pennsylvania? expand_more

The path to medical coder licensure in Pennsylvania: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of a medical coding training program is highly recommended and often preferred by employers.), and pass the Varies by certification (e.g., AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCS, AHIMA CCA).

Is a state license required for medical coders in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Pennsylvania does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Pennsylvania. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Employers typically require national certification through organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., CCS/CCA). A background check (Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check) may be required by employers. All medical coders must comply with HIPAA regulations.

How much does a medical coder make in Pennsylvania? expand_more

medical coders in Pennsylvania earn a median of $46,730 annually. That's 7% below the national median of $50,250. The range spans from $35,040 at the entry level to $74,680 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get medical coder certified in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($399). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a medical coder in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Expect to spend Varies depending on program length and individual study habits (e.g., certificate programs can be completed in under a year) from start to finish in Pennsylvania — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Pennsylvania require continuing education for medical coders? expand_more

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