In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
In the health information sector of North Carolina, individuals specializing in medical billing and coding are crucial contributors. This state, renowned for its world-class healthcare facilities, like Duke University Hospital in Durham—ranked the top hospital by U.S. News & World Report—benefits immensely from these professionals. The healthcare systems of Duke University and institutions such as the University of North Carolina further enrich the state’s health services, providing ample opportunities for those in the medical billing and coding sector.
This area of expertise is pivotal in the healthcare industry, playing a key role in ensuring financial accuracy for healthcare providers and insurance firms in terms of medical services. Occupations in this field are diverse, spanning various healthcare environments and offering an array of roles and potential earnings. Understanding the financial aspects of this career is vital for making informed choices regarding educational paths and professional development.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in NC
In North Carolina, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 5,090 individuals are working as medical records specialists. This figure is slightly above the average, translating to about 1.06 medical records specialists per 1,000 residents in the state. The median hourly wage for this profession in North Carolina is around $23, which falls marginally below the national average for this field. The projected job growth over the next ten years for this occupation is 7.1%. Furthermore, North Carolina presents an appealing option for those in the medical billing and coding sector due to its cost of living, which is 6% lower than the national average according to RentCafe.
Some of the biggest employers in the state of North Carolina may include:
- Duke University Hospital:
- Durham, NC. Duke University Hospital is nationally ranked in 10 adult and 10 pediatric specialties and rated high-performing in two adult specialties. Moreso, it is known for being a teaching hospital.
- UNC Hospitals:
- Chapel Hill, NC. A highly ranked hospital that is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of North Carolina education system.
- Atrium Health Carolina Medical Center:
- Charlotte, NC. Atrium Health Carolina is nationally ranked in eight pediatric specialties and rated high performing in four adult specialties and is a general medical and surgical hospital.
- UNC Rex Hospital:
- Raleigh, NC. UNC Rex Hospital is a high-performing facility with one adult specialty and 15 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical hospital that also gets high marks for patient experience.
- Carolina Medical Billing:
- Charlotte, NC. A leader in quality, service-oriented medical billing services and accounts receivable management solutions since 1994, that allow healthcare clients to focus on patient care, not administrative paperwork.
Medical billing and coding North Carolina salary statistics
While the median national salary for medical records specialists—a category that includes medical billers and coders—is just over $50,250 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 education.
Median medical biller and coder salary in NC
In North Carolina, medical billers and coders earn an average yearly income of $47,840, which is slightly below the national norm. Yet, the potential earnings can differ depending on factors like professional experience, educational background, the specific sector they work in, and their geographical location in the state. North Carolina’s advantageous cost of living, coupled with the presence of top-tier hospitals associated with universities that often hire medical billers and coders, contributes to making it an appealing place for professionals in this field.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$35,170
25%$38,860
50%$47,840Median
75%$62,350
90%$79,250
Median Hourly Wage$23
Job growth7.1%
Total Employment5,960
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $60,480 | $36,980 | $79,920 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $54,500 | $35,780 | $82,840 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $51,760 | $34,500 | $103,880 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $49,710 | $35,170 | $77,740 |
| Greenville, NC | $49,350 | $35,490 | $66,030 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $48,800 | $33,220 | $69,950 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $48,410 | $37,790 | $78,970 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $47,600 | $35,350 | $81,020 |
| Burlington, NC | $45,120 | $35,660 | $62,250 |
| Asheville, NC | $44,610 | $36,720 | $64,190 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. 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 billers and coders in North Carolina
The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in North Carolina typically spans from $35,170 to $79,250 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education, whether or not you are self-employed or employed by a company and time in the position.
Employment by NC 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 a city that has several high-profile hospitals or healthcare industries, 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, North Carolina does not rank in any metropolitan area for the highest employment of medical billers and coders in the U.S., but it does rank fifth in the BLS list of the highest concentration of jobs—and that city is Greenville, NC.
Salary growth and job outlook in NC
With a job growth rate of 7.1% through 2034, North Carolina holds potential for medical billers and coders. With Durham and Greenville having a couple of high-ranked hospitals each, and Greenville having the fifth-highest concentration of jobs, North Carolina holds promise for medical billing and coding careers. Other cities in the state, such as Salisbury, have an even lower cost of living—8% less than the national average.
Factors affecting medical biller and coder salaries in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the income potential for those in the medical billing and coding profession is shaped by a diverse array of elements. The following aspects are among the most notable and widely acknowledged influences:
- Experience:
- The number of years of experience you have in the healthcare 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 North Carolina. 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 or coder in North Carolina?
There are some ways to gauge whether or not your pay is equitable, and you might want to consider the following if you are concerned about your salary in your workplace:
- Do your research. Research employment and job sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed and Payscale to see what the salary averages are in your location. 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 getting bonuses or have additional benefits, such as time off, while you don’t? Is it possible that they may also receive more pay for doing the same job? Consider how long each of you has worked for your company and the delineation of duties and responsibilities on the job.
- Be transparent in the right way. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and a co-worker doing the same job, ask your employer or HR manager about it directly. It’s always best to be transparent, but you should try and utilize the correct channels. Some employers frown upon employees sharing wage and benefits data.
There are federal laws that protect workers with pay and all states have some form of an equal opportunity in Employment Act, and North Carolina is no different. The North Carolina Office of State Human Resources enforces the North Carolina Equal Pay Act, which took effect in 1963, and enforces several other EEO federal laws as well.
North Carolina education and training
The educational requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in North Carolina may vary based on the specific role and employer. However, a typical educational pathway may include:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a certificate program.
- Earn professional certification by studying and passing the exam, such as those offered by AHIMA or the AAPC, which awards entry-level CCA, CCS or CPC credentials – or – earn an associate degree in medical billing and coding.
- Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- North Carolina doesn’t require licensing for medical billers and coders.
Additionally, ongoing professional development and industry-specific training can significantly contribute to your knowledge and advancement within the healthcare information and medical billing and coding field.
Cost of living considerations for NC
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of North Carolina, 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. 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.
As noted above, RentCafe states North Carolina is 6% lower as far as cost of living than other states in the country. Of the 12 largest cities in the state, two cities have a higher cost of living than the national average (Chapel Hill and Durham), one breaks even at the national cost of living (Asheville), and nine are lower: Charlotte, Raleigh, Salisbury, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Greenville, Hickory, Jacksonville and Wilmington.
NC professional associations and networking
Joining professional associations, networking groups, or industry events that cater to medical billing and coding professionals in North Carolina may help students and working professionals connect with their communities, access resources and stay updated on industry developments within the state. here are just two NC-based chapters of national groups or organizations for medical billers and coders and other health information professionals in the state:
- North Carolina Association of Health Information Management: NCHIMA is the state chapter affiliated with the national organization, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
- HIMSS North Carolina Chapter: Provides educational conferences, networking opportunities, resources and discussion forums to healthcare information management professionals in the state.
- North Carolina Healthcare Association: NCHA is a resource for members, lawmakers, the community and the general public on issues and policies related to healthcare.
This guide to medical billing and coding salaries in North Carolina is designed to offer an in-depth overview of the earnings framework in this field. Consider this resource as your initial step towards making educated choices about your vocational journey, negotiating pay, and establishing attainable goals for your academic and career development.