Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Jobs

Entry-level medical billing and coding positions have a fairly consistent set of requirements across employers. The baseline expectation is a postsecondary certificate or associate degree from an accredited training program, plus at least one professional certification.

The three most recognized entry-level certifications are the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC, the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) from AHIMA, and the CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) from NHA. The CPC is the most widely held credential in the industry. New CPC holders receive a CPC-A (Apprentice) designation until they build professional coding experience. That's standard and won't disqualify you from employment.

Beyond certification, employers look for foundational knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II code sets; familiarity with medical terminology and anatomy; understanding of HIPAA privacy and security rules; basic computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office and data entry; and attention to detail, which is the single most cited soft skill in medical coding job postings.

Hospital systems and larger practices tend to prefer candidates with an associate degree, while physician offices, billing companies, and smaller clinics often accept certificate-level training. For more on the education path, see our how to become a medical biller and coder guide.

Entry-level medical billing and coding salaries vary by geography and employer type, but the national range for new graduates falls between $32,000 and $42,000 per year. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of medical records specialists earn less than $35,780 per year (May 2024 data), which aligns with the lower end of entry-level expectations.

Certification makes a measurable difference even at the entry level. Candidates with a CPC-A or CBCS can typically command $35,000-$42,000, while those without certification may start at $30,000-$35,000 in the same market. AAPC's 2025 salary survey shows that certified professionals average $66,979, compared to $55,721 for non-certified workers, a 20.7% premium that starts building from your first day.

Location matters significantly. Entry-level positions in high-cost states like California, Washington, and Massachusetts pay more in absolute terms. The top-paying state by BLS median is DC at $76,990. Positions in the Southeast and Midwest pay less but often come with lower living costs. Hospital-based positions generally pay more than physician office or billing company roles.

For a detailed breakdown by experience level, state, and certification status, see our salary guide.

Entry-level medical billing and coding positions are posted on several platforms. Casting a wide net increases your chances, especially in competitive markets.

AAPC Job Board. You can filter by experience level, and it's exclusively focused on coding and billing roles. If you hold an AAPC certification, this should be your primary search tool.

Indeed and LinkedIn. The largest general job boards. Search for "entry level medical coder," "medical billing clerk," or "CPC-A" and filter by your location. Set up email alerts for new postings matching your criteria.

Hospital and health system career pages. Many large health systems (HCA Healthcare, Ascension, CommonSpirit, Providence, Tenet Health) post jobs on their own websites before they appear on third-party boards. Check the careers section of hospitals in your area directly.

Staffing agencies. Healthcare staffing firms like Robert Half, Randstad, and Kelly Services place billing and coding professionals in temporary and temp-to-hire positions. These can be a solid way to get your foot in the door, gain experience, and convert to a permanent role.

Your training program's career services. Many accredited programs maintain relationships with local employers and can connect graduates with open positions. Ask your program coordinator about job placement assistance and alumni networking opportunities.

If you pass the CPC exam without prior professional coding experience, AAPC assigns the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation. This is standard practice. The vast majority of new CPC holders start as apprentices. The "A" doesn't mean you're underqualified. It indicates you've demonstrated the knowledge required to code but haven't yet logged the professional experience to fully validate that competence.

To remove the apprentice designation, you need to complete one of the following: two years of on-the-job coding experience verified by a supervisor, or 80 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) through AAPC-approved programs. Most coders choose the experience route, which happens naturally over your first two years of employment.

While you hold the CPC-A, you're eligible for most entry-level coding positions. Some employers specifically post "CPC-A welcome" in their job listings. Don't let the apprentice designation discourage you from applying. It's a recognized and expected step in the career path.

One of the most searched topics in this field is remote entry-level work, and the good news is that opportunities do exist. About 64.8% of medical coders work remotely at least part-time according to AAPC's survey data. However, landing a remote position right out of training can be more competitive than on-site roles.

Some employers want you to train on-site for 3-6 months before approving remote work. Others, especially larger billing companies and revenue cycle management firms, hire remote from day one if you have a certification and reliable home office setup. Third-party billing companies like Optum, Conifer Health Solutions, and R1 RCM are among the most active remote employers.

For a full breakdown of remote opportunities, pay differences, and which employers hire remote, see our remote medical coding jobs guide.