Medical Coder in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary

$63,330

trending_up +26.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

850

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong

+7.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule

6 months to 2 years (for certification programs)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, medical coders are not required to hold a state-level license. However, national certifications are a standard requirement for employment and are offered by organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certificate or associate's degree program, which can take 6 months to 2 years, to prepare for these national certification exams.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $43,110

25th percentile $49,620

50th (median) $63,330

75th percentile $66,660

90th (experienced) $81,290

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED equivalent recommended; most employers expect completion of a certificate or associate's degree program in medical billing and coding.
Exam	National certifications such as CPC (AAPC), CCS/CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	36.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Rhode Island. 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). Some entry-level certifications may have an 'apprentice' status that requires experience to remove.

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 you get certified as a medical coder in Rhode Island? expand_more

Rhode Island requires medical coders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent recommended; most employers expect completion of a certificate or associate's degree program in medical billing and coding.), and pass the National certifications such as CPC (AAPC), CCS/CCA (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA).

Can I work as a medical coder in Rhode Island without a license? expand_more

Rhode Island does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Rhode Island. 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). Some entry-level certifications may have an 'apprentice' status that requires experience to remove.

What is the average medical coder salary in Rhode Island? expand_more

The median medical coder salary in Rhode Island is $63,330 per year. — 26% higher than the $50,250 national figure. The range spans from $43,110 at the entry level to $81,290 for top earners.

How many months or years does medical coder certification take in Rhode Island? expand_more

The typical timeline in Rhode Island is 6 months to 2 years (for certification programs). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

License renewal in Rhode Island requires completing 36.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.