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In the heart of Pennsylvania, medical billing and coding professionals make invaluable contributions to the state’s economy, playing a pivotal role in its growth and development. The vast array of opportunities within this career field necessitates a comprehensive understanding of Pennsylvania’s unique salary landscape to empower informed decision-making.
Medical billers and coders are extremely important because they ensure that healthcare providers are paid correctly and insurance companies are billed accurately for physician services. As an important and necessary function in the medical industry, there may be jobs in all types of healthcare settings. This essential healthcare career offers a wide range when it comes to how much you may be able to earn, so it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the salary landscape to make informed decisions about how much education you’ll need to complete.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in PA
Pennsylvania boasts a healthy workforce of approximately 9,120 medical billers and coders, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These skilled individuals earn a median hourly wage of $22, and the job market anticipates significant growth in the coming decade, with 8.5%. Leading the way are companies such as:
- Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian:
- Philadelphia, PA. Ranked the number one hospital in the state by U.S. News & World Report.
- UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside:
- Pittsburgh, PA. A highly ranked hospital that is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital affiliated to the University of Pittsburgh.
- Jefferson Health-Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals:
- Philadelphia, PA. Nationally ranked in nine adult specialties and is a general medical and surgical hospital as well as a teaching hospital.
- Lancaster General:
- Lancaster, PA. A significant component of the Penn Medicine health system, Lancaster General offers South Central Pennsylvania’s most advanced range of outpatient and inpatient specialty services.
- Penn State Health-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:
- Hershey, PA. Central Pennsylvania’s solo Level I Trauma Center for all ages of patients. The Milton S. Hershey Medical center specializes in the “assessment and treatment of trauma, stroke, heart and vascular, pediatric and neurosurgery patients.”
Medical billing and coding salary in PA
In the dynamic realm of healthcare documentation where medical billing and coding wizards work, you’re looking at a median annual salary of about $48,000. However, where you choose to live and work, the number of years you’ve spent on the job, the array of professional certifications you’ve earned and the education path you’ve chosen all play pivotal roles in what you could earn.
Median medical biller and coder salary in Pennsylvania
The median annual salary for medical billing and coding professionals in Pennsylvania stands at $46,160, just below the national average. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that salaries fluctuate based on factors like experience, medical billing and coding education, industry and geographic location within the state.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$36,590
25%$40,190
50%$46,160Median
75%$53,320
90%$63,720
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment9,120
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA | $49,990 | $36,560 | $72,680 |
| Reading, PA | $49,680 | $36,730 | $82,950 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $49,390 | $37,830 | $77,700 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $48,320 | $35,720 | $64,190 |
| Erie, PA | $47,520 | $33,440 | $62,330 |
| Lancaster, PA | $46,900 | $36,550 | $61,610 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $46,750 | $37,770 | $71,280 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $46,070 | $33,260 | $75,020 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $45,710 | $37,210 | $63,720 |
| Williamsport, PA | $45,030 | $37,150 | $60,800 |
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 billers and coders in Pennsylvania
The salary spectrum for medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania spans from $36,690 to $63,720 annually. This range accommodates both entry-level positions and senior-level roles, and taking into account for the diverse variables mentioned earlier.
Employment by PA 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. Gain a broader perspective on compensation across popular metro areas in Pennsylvania for medical billers and coders. Of note is Philadelphia ranks seventh highest for employment in the country, according to the BLS.
Pennsylvania salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032, Pennsylvania holds much promise for medical billing and coding professionals due to its large number of universities and teaching hospitals associated with these educational institutions. With an annual mean wage of $57,600 in general medical and surgical hospitals, the ratio of hospitals to workers presents an opportunity to earn a decent salary that is higher than the national average.
Factors affecting medical biller and coder salaries in PA
Numerous factors shape salary potentials within the medical billing and coding field in Pennsylvania. These include:
- Experience:
- Your years of experience in the medical billing and coding industry can significantly influence your earning capacity. Novice professionals may start with a lower salary, while those with extensive experience can command higher compensation.
- Education and certifications:
- Your level of education and relevant certifications can also contribute to your salary. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications often translate to increased earning potential.
- Industry and company size:
- The industry you work in and the size of the employing company can impact salary ranges. Certain industries offer more competitive compensation, and larger companies generally have greater resources to provide higher salaries.
- Geographic location and cost of living:
- Salaries can vary considerably based on your specific location within Pennsylvania. Urban areas and regions with higher living costs typically offer higher salaries to offset the increased expenses. Considering the cost of living is essential when evaluating salary offers and opportunities.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical biller or coder in PA?
There are some ways to gauge whether or not you’re being paid fairly. Consider the following if you have concerns about your salary:
- Do research. Research job sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed and Payscale to see what the salary averages are in your city and state. Use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find median pay for cities, states and at a national level.
- Look around. Do you see other people getting bonuses or have additional benefits, such as time off, while you don’t? Is it possible that they are receiving more pay for doing the exact same job? Consider how long each of you has worked in your current role and the delineation of duties and responsibilities of the job.
- Be transparent. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and a co-worker who does the exact same job, ask your HR manager about it directly. It’s always best to be transparent, and you should try and use the correct channels. Some employers frown upon employees sharing wage and benefits data with each other, while some encourage open communication, so you should have an understanding of your company’s view.
There are federal laws that protect workers in regard to pay and all states have some form of an Equal Opportunity in Employment Act. Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry enforces the Equal Pay Law, and the state is in the process of expanding the language of, and scope of the law.
Pennsylvania education and training
Educational prerequisites for medical billing and coding students in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the specific role and employer. Nevertheless, a standard educational pathway might include:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a certificate program or earn an associate degree in medical billing and coding.
- While not mandatory in Pennsylvania, earning professional certification by studying for and passing the exam, such as those offered by AHIMA or the AAPC, and which awards the CCA, CCS or CPC credentials, may be of benefit.
- There is no licensing requirement for medical billers and coders in Pennsylvania.
Continual professional development and industry-specific training also may significantly contribute to your knowledge and advancement within the medical billing and coding field.
Cost of living considerations for PA
When evaluating medical biller and coder salaries in different areas of Pennsylvania, it’s essential to account for the cost of living. Housing, transportation, healthcare and other expenses can fluctuate across Pennsylvania’s cities and regions. Evaluating the cost of living helps align salaries with local expenses, aiding more informed decisions about job prospects and potential relocations.
RentCafe states Pennsylvania is 2% lower as far as cost of living than other states. Of the top 11 cities in the state, the cost of living is pretty much mixed, with Erie, Scranton, Indiana, Johnstown and York well below the national average and Allentown, Reading, Harrisburg, Williamsport and Philadelphia above the national average. Pittsburg alone rests at 0%.
Pennsylvania-specific professional associations and networking
Explore and connect with Pennsylvania-specific professional associations, networking groups or industry events tailored to medical billers and coders and health information professionals in the state. These resources facilitate local connections, offer access to valuable resources and keep you informed about industry developments within Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association: PHIMA is the state chapter affiliated with the national organization, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). To become a member, you must join AHIMA and select Pennsylvania as your Component Association (CA).
- Central Pennsylvania HIMSS Chapter: The central chapter of HIMSS is a diverse group of experienced healthcare professionals working throughout central Pennsylvania.
- Western Pennsylvania HIMSS Chapter: The Western Pennsylvania chapter of HIMSS encourages members to network, educate and discuss healthcare technology.
The Pennsylvania medical billing and coding salary aims to furnish you with an all-encompassing understanding of the state’s salary landscape and pivotal insights into the profession within Pennsylvania. Utilize this guide as a foundation for well-informed decisions regarding your career trajectory, salary negotiations and setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional journey.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 11, 2023