Medical Coder in Tennessee

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

Median annual salary
$49,740
trending_down -1.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering
3,580

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Strong
+7.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$425

Licensing fees

route How to become a medical coder in Tennessee

In Tennessee, medical coding is not a state-licensed profession; however, certification is a standard requirement for employment and is offered by national organizations such as the AAPC (e.g., Certified Professional Coder - CPC) and AHIMA (e.g., Certified Coding Specialist - CCS, Certified Coding Associate - CCA). To become certified, individuals typically need a high school diploma or GED and must pass a certification exam. While Tennessee does not charge for reciprocity, it is only available for specific certification categories and a limited number of bordering states, requiring verification from the originating state.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,930
25th percentile $40,030
50th (median) $49,740
75th percentile $63,280
90th (experienced) $78,830

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

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
NotesMedical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Tennessee. 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) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). A high school diploma or GED is generally required for certification programs. Some programs may have additional prerequisites like specific biology and math courses.

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

What are the steps to becoming a medical coder in Tennessee? expand_more
Reach out to Tennessee's licensing board for the current medical coder certification pathway.
Is a state license required for medical coders in Tennessee? expand_more
Tennessee does not require a state license for medical coders. Note: Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Tennessee. 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) and AHIMA (e.g., CCS, CCA). A high school diploma or GED is generally required for certification programs. Some programs may have additional prerequisites like specific biology and math courses.
What is the average medical coder salary in Tennessee? expand_more
Tennessee medical coders bring home a median salary of $49,740. This is close to the national median of $50,250. Wages range from $35,930 (10th percentile) up to $78,830 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get medical coder certified in Tennessee? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($425) plus your education and training.

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