Medical Coder in South Dakota

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

Median annual salary
$50,320
trending_up +0.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering
910

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

schedule
6 months to 2 years (for certification programs or associate degrees)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical coder in South Dakota

To become a medical coder in South Dakota, individuals are not required to hold a state license, as medical coding is not a state-regulated profession. However, obtaining a national certification is highly recommended and often a requirement for employment. Aspiring coders typically complete a post-secondary certificate or associate degree program, which prepares them for national certification exams offered by organizations such as the AAPC (e.g., Certified Professional Coder - CPC) or AHIMA (e.g., Certified Coding Associate - CCA, Certified Coding Specialist - CCS).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,150
25th percentile $38,840
50th (median) $50,320
75th percentile $63,490
90th (experienced) $77,030

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

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent for most programs; post-secondary certificate or associate degree preferred by employers.
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., AAPC's CPC, AHIMA's CCS, CCA)
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in South Dakota. 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, CRC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCA, CCS, CCS-P). Employers typically prefer candidates with national certifications. Some programs may offer a voucher for the certification exam.

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 South Dakota? expand_more
In South Dakota, becoming a medical coder requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent for most programs; post-secondary certificate or associate degree preferred by employers.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., AAPC's CPC, AHIMA's CCS, CCA).
Do I need a license to work as a medical coder in South Dakota? expand_more
medical coders in South Dakota are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in South Dakota. 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, CRC) and AHIMA (e.g., CCA, CCS, CCS-P). Employers typically prefer candidates with national certifications. Some programs may offer a voucher for the certification exam.
How much do medical coders make in South Dakota? expand_more
medical coders in South Dakota earn a median of $50,320 annually. — within a few percent of the $50,250 national figure. Wages range from $34,150 (10th percentile) up to $77,030 (90th percentile).
How quickly can I become a medical coder in South Dakota? expand_more
Expect to spend 6 months to 2 years (for certification programs or associate degrees) from start to finish in South Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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