Medical Coder in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$58,510
trending_up +16.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering
2,940

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a medical coder in South Carolina

Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in South Carolina. Instead, professionals pursue certification through national organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). While not legally mandated by the state, these certifications, such as the CPC or CCS, are widely considered a standard requirement for employment by healthcare facilities in South Carolina. Aspiring medical coders typically complete a certificate or associate degree program and then pass a national certification exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,740
25th percentile $43,430
50th (median) $58,510
75th percentile $66,550
90th (experienced) $67,930

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body; national certification organizations (AAPC, AHIMA) are standard for employment
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent is the minimum; certificate or associate degree programs are highly recommended and often required by employers.
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in South Carolina. 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, COC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCA, CCS, CCS-P). Employers universally require one of these certifications. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education units (CEUs) and annual membership renewal with the certifying body. For CPC holders, 36 CEUs are required every two years. For CCS holders, 30 CEUs are required every two years. There are no specific minimum age requirements beyond those for educational programs.

Source: No state-level licensing body; national certification organizations (AAPC, AHIMA) are standard for employment

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 South Carolina? expand_more
South Carolina requires medical coders to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent is the minimum; certificate or associate degree programs are highly recommended and often required by employers.).
Is a state license required for medical coders in South Carolina? expand_more
South Carolina does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in South Carolina. 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, COC, CIC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCA, CCS, CCS-P). Employers universally require one of these certifications. Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education units (CEUs) and annual membership renewal with the certifying body. For CPC holders, 36 CEUs are required every two years. For CCS holders, 30 CEUs are required every two years. There are no specific minimum age requirements beyond those for educational programs.
What do medical coders earn in South Carolina? expand_more
medical coders in South Carolina earn a median of $58,510 annually. This exceeds the $50,250 national median by 16%. New medical coders start around $35,740; seasoned professionals can reach $67,930.

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