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Medical billing and coding professionals play a vital role in Florida’s workforce, utilizing their expertise and attention to detail to keep its thriving healthcare and insurance billing and diagnostics industry accurate and current. This career field offers a wide range of opportunities both in job duties and how much you may be able to earn, so it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the state’s salary landscape to make informed decisions about your education.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in Florida
There are roughly 16,470 people employed as medical records specialists in the state of Florida, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This makes it the number three state in the country for employment of medical billers and coders. With its high retiree population, medical billers and coders should stay busy as this demographic tends to require more medical care and procedures. The median wage per hour is $21, making Florida just below the national median of $23.45 per hour for medical records specialists, though the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 8.5%, faster than the national average.
Some of the biggest employers in hospitals and healthcare and specific medical billing solutions companies in Florida include:
- EHealthSource:
- Bradenton, FL. EHealthSource, which has over 15 years of experience in medical billing and coding and charge entry, says they are committed to being the solution to any and every medical billing problem.
- Assurance Healthcare Financial Services:
- Lynn Haven, FL. With over 20 years of experience, Assurance claims to be successful in achieving results for clients in the top 1%, led by a skilled team of professionals compared to peer groups elsewhere in the country.
- Orlando Health-Orlando Regional Medical Center:
- Orlando, FL. Ranked number seven on U.S. News & World Report’s survey of Best Hospitals in Florida.
- Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville:
- Jacksonville, FL. Ranked the number one best hospital in the state for nine adult specialties nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
- AdventHealth Orlando:
- Orlando, FL. Voted the number two best hospital in the state for four adult specialties and one pediatric specialty nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Medical billing and coding salary Florida statistics
While the median national salary for medical records specialists—a category that includes medical billers and coders—is just over $48,000 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of billing and coding education.
Median medical biller and coder salary in Florida
The median annual salary for medical billers and coders in Florida is $44,210—just under the national average. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. For example, your salary in a large city like Miami might be higher than in a small town such as Ponce de Leon or Bristol, because the cost of living is higher.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$31,520
25%$36,820
50%$44,210Median
75%$60,400
90%$80,270
Median Hourly Wage$21
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment16,470
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, FL | $52,030 | $34,310 | $79,090 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $49,610 | $32,540 | $80,840 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $47,670 | $34,790 | $92,070 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $47,100 | $36,210 | $68,600 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $46,170 | $31,030 | $77,440 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $45,860 | $33,180 | $67,230 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | $45,140 | $35,880 | $76,750 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $44,960 | $32,610 | $65,760 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $43,270 | $31,200 | $75,320 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $42,680 | $32,180 | $75,540 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for medical billing and coding in Florida
The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in Florida typically spans from $31,520 to $80,270 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Employment by metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in healthcare and you live in the largest city in the state—Jacksonville—that has a couple of highly ranked hospitals, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers for the top 10 cities in the U.S. As you can see, Florida holds the number six spot for the highest level of employment of medical billers and coders (in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area) in the U.S.
Salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032, Florida is a major hub for medical billers and coders. Florida’s number three ranking in employment and its median pay, though slightly under the national median in the country, still make it an appealing place to consider setting down roots. The state also boasts a substantial forecast for growth. And with a lower cost of living, the salary you may be able to earn will go further than in a state such as California, which has the second-highest cost of living in the U.S.
Factors affecting medical billing and coding salaries in Florida
Several factors can influence the salary potential in the medical billing and coding field in the state of Florida. These factors may include:
- Experience:
- The number of years of experience you have in the healthcare or medical billing and coding industry can significantly impact your earning potential. Entry-level professionals may start at a lower salary, while those with extensive experience and expertise can command higher salaries.
- Education and certifications:
- The level of education you have achieved and any relevant certifications can contribute to your salary. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications may result in higher earning potential.
- Industry and company size:
- The industry you work in and the size of the company can affect salary ranges. Certain industries may offer higher compensation, and larger companies often have more resources to provide competitive salaries.
- Geographic location and cost of living:
- Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location within Florida. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses. It’s essential to consider the cost of living when assessing salary offers and opportunities.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical biller and coder in Florida?
There are several ways to discern whether or not your pay is equitable, and you should consider the following tips if you are concerned about your salary level:
- Do your research. Research employment and job sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale to see what the salary averages are in your city and/or state. Use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find median pay for cities, states and nationally.
- Be observant in your workplace. Do you see other people receiving special privileges, such as bonuses or additional benefits? Could it be possible that they are receiving more for doing the same job? Consider their (and your) length of employment and equity of duties as well.
- Be transparent in the right way. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and another employee doing the same job, ask your manager or company HR manager about it directly. It’s always best to be transparent, but you should try and utilize the correct channels. Most employers frown upon employees discussing their pay with each other.
There are federal laws that protect workers concerning pay. Medical billers and coders in Florida are protected by the state’s Equal Pay Law, which promotes some of the strongest equal pay legislation in the nation. But because Florida is an employment-at-will state, an employer may cut your pay with or without notice.
Florida education and training
The educational requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in Florida can vary based on the specific role and employer. However, a typical educational pathway may include:
- Complete a recognized certificate program in medical billing and coding or a related field, such as informatics or health information management.
- Register for and prepare to take the CPC professional certification exam. Once you pass the exam you earn the Certified Professional Coder credential in Florida.
- Medical billers and coders are not required to be licensed in Florida, so you may begin working as soon as you pass the CPC exam and complete a state-recognized education program.
Additionally, ongoing professional development, advanced certifications, online billing and coding courses, and industry-specific training can significantly contribute to your knowledge and advancement within the medical billing and coding field.
Cost of living considerations
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of Florida, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, health care and other expenses can vary across cities or regions within the state. Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with local expenses and make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
Florida has a higher than the national average cost of living, sitting at 15th highest across all U.S. Ramsay Solutions says the following cities rank higher and lower:
Higher than the national average:
- Gainesville, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Fort Myers, FL
- Miami, FL
Lower than the national average:
- Ocala, FL
- Pensacola, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Tallahassee, FL
Of note is the Mayo Clinic, ranked number one on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals in Florida survey, is in Jacksonville which boasts a 6% less cost of living than the national average.
Florida professional associations and networking
Joining Florida-based professional associations, networking groups, or industry events that cater to medical billing and coding and other health information professionals in Florida may help you connect with local communities, access resources, and stay updated on industry developments within your state.
Here are just a couple of groups to consider following or joining:
- AAPC: A member group dedicated to excellence in the medical billing and medical coding fields, the American Academy of Professional Coders has over 250,000 members nationwide, including Florida.
- Florida Health Information Management Association: This is the Florida chapter of AHIMA, which also has more localized chapters, such as Northeast Florida Health Information Management Association and Suncoast Health Information Management Association.
The medical billing and coding salary guide for Florida aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding this healthcare profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 7, 2023