How to Become a Medical Biller

Want a healthcare job with strong pay, office stability, and no patient contact?
Becoming a medical biller could be your perfect fit. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to train, certify, and launch a rewarding career managing healthcare billing and insurance claims.

Medical billers play a crucial role in connecting patients, insurance companies, and healthcare providers. Their accuracy ensures hospitals and clinics get paid on time and patients are billed correctly.

Median Pay $50,250 $24.16/hr Top 10%: $80,950
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 7.1% 14,200 openings/yr
Employment (2024) 187,910
🏁Wage Percentiles
25th $41,600 75th $64,070
🎓Typical Education
Postsecondary certificate or diploma
🛠️On‑the‑Job Training
On‑the‑job training
🌎Highest Paying States
District of Columbia Rhode Island Hawaii
🏢Top Industries
Cross-industry
Certification
Optional (CPB/CBCS/CHBME)


What Does a Medical Biller Do?

Medical billers process patient information and medical records to create accurate insurance claims and invoices. They review codes entered by medical coders, verify patient insurance, and handle reimbursement follow-ups.

Common Responsibilities:

  • Preparing and submitting insurance claims
  • Reviewing medical codes and patient data for accuracy
  • Tracking claim approvals and rejections
  • Communicating with insurance companies and patients
  • Managing billing software and payment records

Medical billers often work in physician offices, clinics, and hospitals, while some transition to remote roles after gaining experience.


How to Become a Medical Biller in 5 Steps

Most medical billing careers start with a short certificate or diploma program lasting 9–18 months, followed by optional national certification.

  1. Earn your high school diploma or GED
    This is the minimum requirement to begin training.

  2. Complete an accredited medical billing program
    Choose a program that covers:

    • Healthcare law and ethics
    • Billing software and insurance systems
    • Anatomy and terminology basics
    • HIPAA and reimbursement regulations
  1. Gain practical experience
    Some programs include simulated billing exercises or externships with local medical offices.

  2. Earn national certification (optional but valuable)
    Certification increases employability and pay. Top credentials include:

    • CPB (Certified Professional Biller) – AAPC
    • CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) – NHA
    • CHBME (Certified Healthcare Billing and Management Executive) – HBMA
  3. Apply for medical billing positions
    Entry-level jobs are available in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. Remote and hybrid positions are also common.

steps-to-become-a-medical-biller


Certification Options

While not required by law, certification demonstrates skill and professionalism to employers.

Top Certifying Organizations:

  • AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) – CPB
  • NHA (National Healthcareer Association) – CBCS
  • HBMA (Healthcare Billing and Management Association) – CHBME

Certified billers earn higher salaries and have better advancement opportunities within healthcare organizations.


Skills Needed for Success

  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Strong communication and customer service
  • Understanding of insurance and reimbursement systems
  • Computer proficiency with EHR and billing platforms
  • Ability to handle confidential patient information

Medical billing is ideal for professionals who enjoy organization, financial accuracy, and helping patients navigate insurance systems.


Career Outlook & Salary

Medical billing professionals are in steady demand as healthcare facilities expand digital and remote billing systems.

Medical Biller Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Records Specialists (29-2072)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.

Median Pay (2024) $50,250 $24.16 per hour
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 7.1% +13,800 jobs (2024–2034) • 14,200 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$55,970 per year $26.91 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $35,780

$17.20 per hour

25th Percentile $41,600

$20.00 per hour

75th Percentile $64,070

$30.80 per hour

90th Percentile $80,950

$38.92 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 194,800
2034 208,600

Employment: 194,800 → 208,600 jobs by 2034 (7.1%)

14,200 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment
0.1%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
1.22
Employment RSE
1.0%
Projected Annual Openings
14,200

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Remote positions continue to grow as healthcare moves toward paperless claim processing.


Start Your Medical Billing Career

Medical billing offers a fast, secure route into healthcare administration — without direct patient care.
With training and certification, you can enter the field in less than two years.


Medical Biller Salary by State

BLS OEWS, May 2024

State Median annual Top 10% annual
District of Columbia $64,690 $123,410
Maryland $59,140 $107,870
California $59,700 $104,560
New York $59,750 $98,910
Washington $62,250 $96,740
Nevada $60,530 $94,990
Hawaii $62,990 $91,140
New Jersey $49,910 $85,380
Connecticut $58,250 $85,140
Alaska $56,740 $84,810
Colorado $55,410 $83,840
Massachusetts $57,220 $83,540
Utah $47,710 $82,740
Ohio $51,420 $82,080
Rhode Island $63,330 $81,290
Oregon $57,260 $80,720
North Carolina $47,840 $79,250
Tennessee $49,740 $78,830
Georgia $48,990 $78,300
Wyoming $53,550 $77,950
North Dakota $53,550 $77,820
Minnesota $59,310 $77,200
Texas $47,230 $77,140
South Dakota $50,320 $77,030
Virginia $51,780 $76,560
Kansas $48,670 $76,430
Florida $45,990 $76,220
Missouri $49,150 $75,230
Idaho $48,940 $74,930
Pennsylvania $46,730 $74,680
Wisconsin $55,270 $74,590
Illinois $49,420 $74,520
Delaware $52,020 $72,570
Louisiana $43,820 $71,770
Indiana $47,170 $70,860
Oklahoma $48,590 $70,590
Michigan $48,220 $70,570
New Mexico $50,340 $70,570
Arizona $49,790 $68,890
South Carolina $58,510 $67,930
Kentucky $48,020 $67,440
Arkansas $39,920 $67,010
Maine $48,990 $66,960
West Virginia $43,710 $66,960
New Hampshire $48,250 $66,190
Nebraska $48,420 $65,500
Vermont $48,610 $64,430
Iowa $51,580 $64,020
Mississippi $39,970 $63,290
Alabama $38,540 $62,660
Montana $49,930 $62,200

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.


Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.