Coding Salary: How Much Do Coders Earn in 2026?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Explore 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.

Key takeaways

  • According to Glassdoor, a median coding salary for a medical coder ranges from $43,000 to $62,000, while the median pay for a computer coder ranges from $62,000 to 107,000 [1, 2].

  • Although the base pay of a medical coding salary ranges from $43,000 to $62,000, you can earn an additional $6,000 to $10,000 in bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing [1].

  • According to Glassdoor, the median coding salary for a certified coding specialist ranges from $53,000 to $78,000 [3].

Popular majors for computer coders include computer science, computer information systems, computer programming, and business. Explore coding salaries, the factors influencing them, and how to increase yours. If you’re ready to begin learning about medical billing and coding, enroll in the Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals Specialization from MedCerts. In as little as four weeks, you can learn about patient communication, medical history documentation, medical terminology, payment processing, and more.

Medical billing and coding salary

The median salary range for medical coders in the US is between $43,000 and $62,000 per year [1]. On average, medical billers and coders earn $6,000 to $10,000 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 $53,000 to $78,000 [3]. The additional pay average for this role, including bonuses, profit-sharing, or commissions, is from $8,000 to $14,000 [3].

Computer coding salary

The average annual salary range for coders in the technology field is between $62,000 and $107,000 [2]. On average, computer coders earn $15,000 to $28,000 in additional pay per year, which may include bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing [2].

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 a median annual base pay between $79,000 and $124,000, with the potential to earn $18,000 to $33,000 in additional pay [4].

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 Professional Certificates and courses:

Experience level

As you work in the field, you’ll gain knowledge and experience, which may mean a better salary. Review the typical median total salaries based on years of experience as a medical biller, coder, and computer coder, according to Glassdoor as of July 2026:

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of July 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

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

  • 0–1 year (entry-level positions): $56,000

  • 1–3 years: $59,000

  • 4–6 years: $62,000

  • 7–9 years: $65,000

Computer coder annual salary by experience [2]:

  • 0–1 year (entry-level positions): $76,000

  • 1–3 years: $84,000

  • 4–6 years: $94,000

  • 7–9 years: $100,000

Discover more with our free resources

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Article sources

1. 

Glassdoor. "How Much Does a Medical Coder Make?, https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/medical-coder-career_KO0,13.htm." Accessed July 28, 2026.

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