In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Medical billing and coding professionals play a vital role in Florida’s workforce, utilizing their expertise and attention to detail to keep its thriving healthcare and insurance industries running efficiently and accurately. This career field offers a wide range of opportunities both in job duties and how much you may be able to earn, so it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the state’s salary landscape to make informed decisions about your education.
Key takeaways
- The median annual salary for medical billers and coders in Florida is $45,990.
- Florida’s large population of retirees (on top of a large population in general) contribute to its expansive healthcare systems which require medical records specialists to ensure patients are billed properly for services.
- Salaries can vary widely across the state, with areas like South Florida paying more on average but also costing more to live there.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in Florida
There are roughly 15,510 people employed as medical records specialists in the state of Florida, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This ranks it as third in the country for employment of medical billers and coders. With its high retiree population, medical billers and coders should stay busy as this demographic tends to require more medical care and procedures. The median wage per hour is $22, making Florida just below the national median of $24.16 per hour for medical records specialists. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 7.1%, faster than the national average across all occupations.
Some of the biggest employers in hospitals and healthcare and specific medical billing solutions companies in Florida include:
- EHealthSource:
- Bradenton, FL. EHealthSource, which has over 15 years of experience in medical billing and coding and charge entry, says they are committed to being the solution to any and every medical billing problem.
- Assurance Healthcare Financial Services:
- Lynn Haven, FL. With over 20 years of experience, Assurance claims to be successful in achieving results for clients in the top 1%, led by a skilled team of professionals compared to peer groups elsewhere in the country.
- Orlando Health-Orlando Regional Medical Center:
- Orlando, FL. Ranked number seven on U.S. News & World Report’s survey of Best Hospitals in Florida.
- Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville:
- Jacksonville, FL. Ranked the number one best hospital in the state for nine adult specialties nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
- AdventHealth Orlando:
- Orlando, FL. Voted the number two best hospital in the state for four adult specialties and one pediatric specialty nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Medical billing and coding salaries in Florida
While the median national salary for medical records specialists—a category that includes medical billers and coders—is just over $48,000 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 billing and coding education.
Median medical biller and coder salary in Florida
The median annual salary for medical billers and coders in Florida is $45,990—just under the national average. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. For example, your salary in a large city like Miami might be higher than in a small town such as Ponce de Leon or Bristol, because the cost of living is higher.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$33,250
25%$37,960
50%$45,990Median
75%$59,800
90%$76,220
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth7.1%
Total Employment15,510
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, FL | $53,820 | $35,930 | $82,270 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $48,560 | $36,650 | $89,220 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $47,680 | $33,910 | $84,280 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $47,430 | $34,860 | $74,460 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $47,100 | $27,040 | $77,380 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $47,030 | $32,520 | $63,550 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $46,600 | $38,000 | $66,440 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $45,990 | $36,670 | $67,760 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $45,050 | $35,530 | $64,900 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $44,950 | $33,990 | $72,550 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. 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 billing and coding in Florida
The salary range for medical billing and coding professionals in Florida typically spans from $33,250 (lowest 10% of earners) to $76,220 (highest 10% of earners) per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Employment by metro area nationwide
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 the largest city in the state—Jacksonville—that has a couple of highly ranked hospitals, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the top 10 cities in the U.S. that employ the most medical billers and coders. As you can see, Florida holds the number four spot for the highest level of employment (in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area) in the U.S.
Salary growth and job outlook
With a job growth rate of 7.1%through 2034, Florida is a major hub for medical billers and coders. This rapid employment growth is due to a couple of reasons:
Factors affecting medical billing and coding salaries in Florida
Several factors can influence the salary potential in the medical billing and coding field in the state of Florida. These factors may include:
- Experience:
- The number of years of experience you have in the healthcare or medical billing and coding 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 Florida. 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 and coder in Florida?
There are several ways to discern whether or not your pay is equitable, and you should consider the following tips if you are concerned about your salary level:
- 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? Could it be possible that they are receiving more for doing the same job? Consider their (and your) 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 employee doing the same job, ask your manager or company HR manager 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 concerning pay. Medical billers and coders in Florida are protected by the state’s Equal Pay Law, which promotes some of the strongest equal pay legislation in the nation. But because Florida is an employment-at-will state, an employer may cut your pay with or without notice.
Florida education and training
The educational requirements for medical billing and coding professionals in Florida can vary based on the specific role and employer. However, a typical educational pathway may include:
- Complete a recognized certificate program in medical billing and coding or a related field, such as informatics or health information management.
- Register for and prepare to take the a billing and/or coding certification exam. Certification credentials can make you a much more competitive job candidate, and some employers require their billers and coders to be certified anyway.
- Medical billers and coders are not required to be licensed in Florida, so you may begin working as soon as you complete a state-recognized education program and any employer-specific requirements.
Additionally, ongoing professional development, advanced certifications, online billing and coding courses and industry-specific training can significantly contribute to your knowledge and advancement within the medical billing and coding field.
Cost of living considerations
When evaluating medical billing and coding salaries in different areas of Florida, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living. While costs like utilities, transportation and healthcare may be close to or slightly below national norms, food and housing in Florida remain areas where your budget might be stretched. On the plus side, Florida’s lack of a state income tax can increase take-home pay compared to many other states, which can somewhat offset these expenses.
According to RentCafe, the overall cost of living in Florida is 1% higher than the national average. Take a look at how individual cities within the state compare to the national average in terms of cost of living.
| Florida city | Cost of living compared to national average |
|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | 24% higher |
| Miami | 21% higher |
| Orlando | 6% lower |
| Jacksonville | 8% lower |
| Tallahassee | 6% lower |
| Tampa | 3% lower |
| Gainesville | 1% higher |
Florida professional associations and networking
Joining Florida-based professional associations, networking groups or industry events that cater to medical billing and coding and other health information professionals in Florida may help you stay updated on industry developments within your state.
Here are just a couple of groups to consider following or joining:
- AAPC: A member group dedicated to excellence in the medical billing and medical coding fields, the American Academy of Professional Coders has over 250,000 members nationwide, including Florida.
- Florida Health Information Management Association: This is the Florida chapter of AHIMA, which also has more localized chapters, such as Northeast Florida Health Information Management Association and Suncoast Health Information Management Association.
The medical billing and coding salary guide for Florida aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding this healthcare profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.