Coding Salary: How Much Do Coders Earn in 2025?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Use this article to compare coding salaries for health care and computer science professionals.

[Featured Image] Side view of a young IT professional wearing a headset, typing at a laptop, and using a second computer monitor while coding at a coworking office space.

Depending on your job title, a coder in the US can earn an average of between $52,000 and $94,000 per year [1, 2]. Both medical and computer coding skills can offer lucrative career paths depending on the industry, location, and experience level. Use the following article to explore coding salaries, the factors influencing them, and how to increase yours.

Medical billing and coding salary

The average salary range for medical coders in the US is between $42,000 and $64,000 per year [1]. On average, medical billers and coders earn $7,830 in additional pay per year, which may include bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing [1].

Certified coding specialist salary

Health care professionals with medical coding certifications have higher earning potential, with an average annual salary range of $54,000 to $81,000 [3]. The additional pay average for this role, including bonuses, profit-sharing, or commissions, is $10,916 [3].

Computer coding salary

The average annual salary range for coders in the technology field is between $62,000 and $104,000 [4]. On average, computer coders earn $19,357 in additional pay per year, which may include bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing [4].

Software coder salary

While coders typically focus on writing code based on given instructions, software developers use specialized skills to write more complex code based on project requirements and problems that need solving. A job as a coder can be an excellent stepping stone to a career in software development, which may help increase your salary. Software developers in the United States earn an average annual salary between $76,000 and $120,000, with the potential to earn $24,521 in additional pay [2].

Is computer coding a hard job?

Learning computer coding can be challenging, but the job can also be rewarding. To be an effective computer coder or programmer, you’ll want to possess an interest in computers, strong problem-solving skills, and a desire to learn various programming languages, such as Python or Java. Learning coding skills takes time and patience, but these skills can simplify the task.

Factors influencing coding salary

Your compensation as a coder ultimately depends on your experience, field of expertise, location, and company. To get a good idea of what you might earn as a coder, consider where you want to work, what type of coding job you want to pursue, your level of education, and how much experience you have.

Location insights

Keep in mind that the cost of living can greatly influence salary. Check out the median salary and employment insights by state for medical records specialists and computer coders using the following resources:

Education

Formal college degrees can be helpful but are not always required for a coding career. Academic credentials and certificates may help you earn a higher salary by qualifying you for more advanced roles. You can also use them to build in-demand skills and distinguish your resume from other candidates in the job market.

Medical coding education requirements

Seven percent of medical coders have a high school diploma, 28 percent have a bachelor’s degree, and 37 percent have an associate degree [5].

Popular areas of study:

Read more: Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)

Popular certificates and certifications:

Computer coding education requirements

Education requirements for coders vary. Sixty percent of computer programmers earn a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, 10 percent have a master's degree, and 3 percent have a high school diploma [6].

Popular areas of study:

Popular certificates and certifications:

Experience level

As you work in the field, you’ll gain knowledge and experience, which may mean a better salary. Review the typical average salaries based on years of experience as a medical biller, coder, and computer coder, according to Glassdoor as of June 2025:

Medical biller and coder annual salary by experience [1]:

  • 0–1 year (entry-level positions): $47,992

  • 1–3 years: $50,851

  • 4–6 years: $53,651

  • 7–9 years: $55,091

Computer coder annual salary by experience [4]:

  • 0–1 year (entry-level positions): $59,146

  • 1–3 years: $68,076

  • 4–6 years: $76,827

  • 7–9 years: $80,464

Build skills to earn a coding salary with Coursera

Prepare for your career in the medical coding industry by enrolling in the Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization offered by MedCerts on Coursera. In about 1 month, you can learn critical medical and insurance terminology and familiarize yourself with the revenue cycle while earning a certificate for your studies. 

Or, sharpen your programming skills with an industry leader in technology by earning the Amazon Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate:

Article sources

1. 

Glassdoor. "How Much Does a Medical Coder Make? https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/medical-coder-career_KO0,13.htm." Accessed June 12, 2025.

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