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Medical billing and coding professionals play a vital role in South Carolina’s healthcare labor force, supporting a strong healthcare industry boosted by the presence of great hospitals such as MUSC Health–University Medical Center in Charleston. The medical billing and coding field is designed to 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 of opportunities both in duties and 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 your education.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in SC
There are roughly 3,020 people employed as medical records specialists in South Carolina, which is a better-than-average number considering the size of the state (it means per 1,000 people in the state, 1.36 are medical records specialists, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The median hourly wage is $25, which is right at the national hourly average, and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 8.5%.
With high rankings in cost of living (6% lower than the national average says Rent Cafe), South Carolina is an attractive prospect for medical billers and coders. Because it is home to several large medical centers, South Carolina has much to offer in the way of jobs for medical billers and coders.
Some of the biggest employers in the state of South Carolina may include:
- MUSC Health–University Medical Center:
- Charleston, SC. The number one ranked hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report with two national specialty rankings and six children’s specialty national rankings.
- Lexington Medical Center:
- West Columbia, SC. Offers comprehensive care for people of all ages in West Columbia and throughout the South Carolina Midlands.
- Bon Secours St. Francis Health System:
- Greenville, SC. A 245-bed hospital that offers emergency services, cardiac care, inpatient cancer services, a bone marrow transplantation center and many more services that all require a medical biller or coders’ expertise.
- Prisma Health:
- Columbia, Easley, Greer, Simpsonville, Clinton and Greenville, SC. South Carolina’s largest private, non-profit healthcare system, Prisma Health strives to create a better state of health for South Carolinians.
Medical billing and coding salary South Carolina statistics
While the median national salary for medical records specialists—a category that includes medical billers and coders—is just over $48,780 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 SC
The median annual salary for medical billers and coders in South Carolina is $51,310, higher than the national average. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. And South Carolina’s lower cost of living combined with a higher-than-average median salary make it a great state for medical billers and coders to work.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$35,260
25%$40,210
50%$51,310Median
75%$63,420
90%$72,340
Median Hourly Wage$25
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment3,020
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC | $61,950 | $36,520 | $73,620 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | $60,030 | $34,380 | $79,190 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $51,060 | $35,730 | $66,140 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | $50,030 | $33,880 | $75,360 |
| Florence, SC | $48,150 | $27,330 | $75,280 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $47,590 | $37,810 | $72,340 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | $46,450 | $30,960 | $66,340 |
| Sumter, SC | $46,140 | $35,830 | $70,280 |
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 South Carolina
The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in South Carolina typically spans from $35,260 to $72,340 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration 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 SC 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, South Carolina does not rank in any metropolitan area for the highest employment of medical billers and coders in the U.S.
South Carolina salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032, South Carolina holds potential for medical billers and coders. With its median pay higher than the national average, it boosts South Carolina into the “best states rank” for job density and cost of living.
Factors affecting medical biller and coder salaries in SC
There are many factors that can influence the salary potential in the medical billing and coding field in South Carolina. These factors are just some of the most important:
- 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 South 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 South Carolina?
There are some ways to gauge whether or not your pay is equitable, and you might 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 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 getting bonuses or additional benefits while you don’t? Might it seem 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 equity of billing and coding duties and responsibilities on the job.
- Be transparent in the right way. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and another staff member doing the same job, ask your employer or HR manager about it directly. It’s always best to be transparent, and 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 in regard to pay and all states have some form of an equal opportunity in employment act, and South Carolina does have practices in place. However, there are no state-specific laws for overtime pay and instead SC follows the Fair Labor Standards Act. Within the state the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission enforces the Equal Pay Act, which guarantees parity between men and women in the same workplace.
South Carolina education and training
The educational requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in South Carolina may vary based on the specific role and employer. However, a typical educational pathway may include:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Entry-level positions require completing a certificate program.
- Earn professional certification, such as those offered by AHIMA or the AAPC, by passing the designated exams and earn the entry-level CCA, CCS or CPC credentials -or–
- Earn an associate degree in medical billing and coding.
- South Carolina doesn’t enforce a licensing process 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 SC
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of South 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. 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.
You are already aware that Rent Cafe states South Carolina is 6% lower than other states in the country. Of the 10 largest cities in the state, one has a higher cost of living than the national average, and nine are lower:
Higher than the national average:
- Hilton Head Island, SC
Lower than the national average:
- Charleston, SC
- Columbia, SC
- Greenville, SC
- Spartanburg, SC
- Anderson, SC
- Beaufort, SC
- Camden, SC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Sumpter, SC
SC professional associations and networking
Joining professional associations, networking groups, or industry events that cater to medical billing and coding professionals in South Carolina will help students and working professionals connect with their communities, access resources and stay updated on industry developments within the state. Here are just a few South Carolina-based chapters of national groups or organizations for medical billers and coders and other health information professionals in the state:
- South Carolina Health Information Management Association: SCHIMA offers resources, education and the ability to connect with other health information professionals or students in the state or nationally.
- HIMSS South Carolina Chapter: Provide educational conferences, networking opportunities, resources and discussion forums to healthcare information management professionals in the state.
- Medical Billers and Coders (LinkedIn): Connect with other medical billers and coders around the country.
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the medical billing and coding salary landscape in South Carolina, arming you with the knowledge you need to navigate your career path with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just embarking on your journey, this resource provides a wealth of valuable information to help you make informed decisions and achieve your financial goals.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 8, 2023