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Texas’s thriving healthcare industry relies heavily on the expertise of medical billing and coding professionals. These individuals ensure accurate billing and payment for both patients and providers, playing an essential role in the state’s healthcare ecosystem. The field offers a diverse range of opportunities, encompassing various billing and coding duties, and presents a rewarding career path with significant earning potential.
However, navigating the complex salary landscape in this field requires careful consideration. This guide delves into the key factors influencing medical billing and coding salaries in Texas, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their education and career aspirations.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in TX
There are roughly 19,870 people employed as medical records specialists in Texas, making it the second largest state employer in the country says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median hourly wage is $19 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 8.5%.
Some of the biggest employers in the state of Texas may include:
- Storm Medical Billing:
- Austin, TX. Storm Medical Billing is a HIPAA-compliant, independent medical billing company that specializes in solutions for the behavioral healthcare community.
- OMS Medical Billing:
- Addison, TX. OMS is a healthcare billing solutions company priding itself on dental and medical claim submission, claim follow up, resolving payment issues, posting payments, posting adjustments and answering healthcare teams insurance-related billing questions.
- Eminence Healthcare Services:
- McKinney, TX. Eminence is an independent company specializing in serving small to large healthcare organizations with innovative and comprehensive billing and operations solutions.
- MedAstin:
- Austin, TX. Offers thorough support throughout the entire billing process and provides strategic management to identify patterns in order to consistently increase revenue and improve billing efficiencies.
- Memorial Hermann Hospitals:
- Houston, TX. With other locations, including another in Houston and one in The Woodlands, Memorial Hermann Health Systems employs over 27,000 healthcare support staff for its 6,700+ physicians.
- South Texas Medical Center:
- San Antonio, TX. Employs thousands of physicians who work tirelessly to develop new treatments and conduct new research. Where research, technology, and healthcare find a common center.
Medical billing and coding salary Texas statistics
Medical records specialists, encompassing both coders and billers, earn a median national salary of just above $48,780. However, their actual pay can deviate significantly based on various factors. These include location, years of experience, acquired certifications, and your medical billing and coding educational background.
Median salary for medical billing and coding in Texas
In the Lone Star State, the typical yearly earnings for medical coders is $44,180. However, it’s crucial to remember that salaries might fluctuate based on expertise, qualifications, field and region within Texas.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$31,090
25%$36,410
50%$44,180Median
75%$56,430
90%$68,510
Median Hourly Wage$21
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment19,870
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $48,410 | $35,240 | $77,070 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $45,760 | $34,030 | $73,220 |
| Midland, TX | $45,530 | $35,410 | $66,850 |
| Longview, TX | $44,900 | $33,830 | $66,910 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $44,310 | $29,170 | $63,670 |
| Abilene, TX | $43,990 | $28,900 | $60,340 |
| San Angelo, TX | $43,960 | $29,180 | $56,430 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $43,910 | $31,580 | $70,860 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $43,890 | $34,080 | $71,210 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $43,270 | $31,750 | $66,330 |
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 Texas
Within the state of Texas, medical billing and coding professionals can expect to earn anywhere between $31,090 and $68,510 annually. This wide range encompasses entry-level positions all the way up to senior-level roles, and takes various factors into account, such as experience, education, employment status (self-employed vs. company employee), and duration in the position.
Employment by metro area in TX
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, Texas holds the number three and four spots for the highest level of employment of medical billers and coders in the U.S.
Texas salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032, Texas holds potential for medical billers and coders. While its median pay may not be the best, what boosts Texas into the “best states rank” is its second-place ranking for employment and solid rankings for job density and cost of living.
Factors affecting medical biller and coder salaries in Texas
Several factors can influence the salary potential in the medical billing and coding field in Texas. These factors may include:
- 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 Texas. 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 Texas?
There are several ways to discern whether or not your pay is equitable, and you should consider the following resources if you are concerned about your salary:
- 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? Would it seem possible that they may also receive more for doing the same job? Consider 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 staff member doing the same job, ask your employer 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 in regard to pay. Many states have some form of an equal opportunity in employment act, and Texas is no different. The Texas Workforce Commission enforces the Equal Opportunity Act in the state and maintains a process to follow if you believe you are being discriminated against as far as pay.
Texas education and training
The educational requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in Texas can vary based on the specific role and employer. However, a typical educational pathway may include:
- Earn a certificate in medical billing or coding or a related field. This may take six- to-12 months and can be earned online or in a classroom setting.
- If you plan to seek advancement opportunities or become self-employed, consider an associate degree in medical billing and coding.
- Earn professional certification, such as those offered by AHIMA or the AAPC, pass the designated exams and earn the entry-level CCA, CCS or CPC credentials.
- The state of Texas doesn’t enforce a licensing process for medical billers and coders, which allows them to work in any Texas hospital, ambulatory service, nursing home or physicians’ office they choose. Since there is no licensing process, medical billers and coders can apply for employment immediately upon successfully completing their education program.
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 TX
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of Texas, 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.
RentCafe says the most expensive places to live in Texas include Plano and Gainesville City, followed by Hutto, Dallas and Austin. Cities that had the lowest cost of living include Allen, Fort Worth, Beaumont, Tyler and Conroe.
Texas professional associations and networking
Joining professional associations, networking groups, or industry events that cater to medical billing and coding professionals in Texas 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 Texas-based organizations for medical billers and coders in the state:
- Texas Medical Association (TMA): TMA’s billing, coding and reimbursement page offers resources for physician practices, and provides articles and tools for members.
- AAOMCP: There isn’t a specific Texas chapter of the group but the national organization provides courses, free learning, resources and exam prep for medical billers and coders anywhere in the U.S.
- Medical Billers and Coders (LinkedIn): Connect with other medical billers and coders around the country.
The medical billing and coding salary guide for Texas aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 6, 2023