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Clinical Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coder - SRS

San Diego, CA

$30.37 - $37.95/hr

Trains clinicians on specific coding issues based on medical records review and coding principles. * Coding and compliance Identify areas of potential coding, billing and documentation deficiencies.

Coder - SRS

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.37 - $37.95/hr

Trains clinicians on specific coding issues based on medical records review and coding principles. * Coding and compliance Identify areas of potential coding, billing and documentation deficiencies.

Coder - SRS

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.37 - $37.95/hr

Trains clinicians on specific coding issues based on medical records review and coding principles. * Coding and compliance Identify areas of potential coding, billing and documentation deficiencies.

Coder - SRS

San Diego, CA

$30.37 - $37.95/hr

Trains clinicians on specific coding issues based on medical records review and coding principles. * Coding and compliance Identify areas of potential coding, billing and documentation deficiencies.

Coder

Arcata, CA · On-site

$30 - $34.68/hr

At least one year of related experience and/or training in clinical documentation improvement, coding, medical billing and/or auditing. * Ability to multi-task, work independently, address problems ...

Coder

Arcata, CA · On-site

$30 - $34.68/hr

At least one year of related experience and/or training in clinical documentation improvement, coding, medical billing and/or auditing. * Ability to multi-task, work independently, address problems ...

$33 - $38/hr

Determine the appropriate MS-DRG or APR-DRG assignment based on coding and clinical documentation * Conduct coding validation and auditing to ensure compliance with payer and regulatory requirements

Medical Coder

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $38/hr

In this role, you will translate clinical documentation into accurate diagnostic and procedural codes that support compliant billing and reimbursement. This opportunity is ideal for someone who can ...

Certified Coder

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$25.75 - $33.99/hr

New Clinician Audits * Clinician audits for correct coding and optimal reimbursement (Random Audits) * Provider education to clinicians with coding/documentation * Reports quarterly on Bell Curves

Coder III

Santa Clarita, CA

$37.92 - $60.68/hr

CODER III - $37.92 to $60.68 Job Summary Coder III The Coder III is responsible for analyzing medical records for completion by Medical Staff, clinical or ancillary department; performing coding and ...

Coder III

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$37.92 - $60.68/hr

CODER III - $37.92 to $60.68 Job Summary Coder III The Coder III is responsible for analyzing medical records for completion by Medical Staff, clinical or ancillary department; performing coding and ...

$19 - $25.25/hr

Job Summary Coder III The Coder III is responsible for analyzing medical records for completion by Medical Staff, clinical or ancillary department; performing coding and abstracting functions ...

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Showing results 1-20

Clinical Coder information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$56.6K

$79.4K

How much do clinical coder jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical coder in California is $56,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace clinical coders?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist clinical coders by automating routine coding tasks and improving accuracy. However, clinical coders are essential for interpreting complex cases, ensuring compliance, and providing clinical context, so AI is more likely to augment rather than replace their roles entirely. Skilled coders with knowledge of medical terminology and coding standards remain vital in healthcare settings.

What is a Clinical Coder job?

A Clinical Coder is responsible for translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments into standardized codes used for billing, healthcare records, and insurance purposes. They analyze patient records and apply classification systems such as ICD-10 and CPT to ensure accurate and consistent data entry. Clinical Coders work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations, playing a vital role in healthcare administration. Their work helps with reimbursement, research, and healthcare planning. Strong attention to detail and a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Clinical Coder position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical procedures, usually backed by a relevant qualification in health information management or medical coding. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and specialized medical coding software is essential, and certifications such as CCS, CPC, or equivalent are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in this field. Mastering these skills ensures accurate translation of clinical data into standardized codes, which is critical for billing, compliance, and healthcare quality reporting.

What do you do as a Clinical Coder?

A Clinical Coder reviews medical records and assigns standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments using classification systems like ICD-10. This process ensures accurate billing, data collection, and healthcare reporting, often requiring attention to detail and familiarity with coding software. Certification and knowledge of medical terminology are typically necessary for this role.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

Clinical Coders with CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) certification generally earn higher salaries than those with CPC (Certified Professional Coder) certification, as CCS is often required for hospital coding roles and involves more complex coding tasks. Salary differences can also depend on experience, location, and employer, but CCS typically commands higher pay in the healthcare coding field.

What are some common challenges faced by Clinical Coders in their daily work?

Clinical Coders often encounter challenges such as deciphering incomplete or unclear clinical documentation, staying current with frequent updates to coding standards, and managing high volumes of records within tight deadlines. These professionals must constantly collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify details and ensure that codes accurately reflect the care delivered. Adapting to new coding software or changes in healthcare regulations can also be part of the job. However, these challenges offer valuable opportunities for growth and skill development, and strong problem-solving abilities can help you excel in this dynamic field.

How do you become a Clinical Coder?

To become a clinical coder, individuals typically complete a relevant health information management qualification or coding certification, such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding courses. Gaining experience with coding software and understanding medical terminology and clinical documentation are also important steps in preparing for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Coder jobs in California? The most popular types of Clinical Coder jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Coder jobs? Cities in California with the most Clinical Coder job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Coder job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, and 91% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,639 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Clinical Informaticist / Clinical Coder (CAISS Cert Required)

Clinical Informaticist / Clinical Coder (CAISS Cert Required)

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 428 rated business services


Job description

Are you looking for a career that will make an impact?
The Leidos Military and Veterans Health Solutions Operation has an opening for a Clinical Informaticist / Clinical Coder to join the Operational Readiness Directorate at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, CA.
This position will provide support to the Epidemiology and Data Management Support Department and involves clinical coding and data abstraction to support research on the physical and mental health of military personnel to improve overall health and readiness. The person in this position will work closely with department professionals in records management, information technology, and research teams to ensure alignment of clinical coding with research needs.
Are you ready for unique and exciting work?
This is a full-time position in San Diego. The candidate for this position must be located within commuting distance of San Diego to work on-site at the Naval Health Research Center as needed. The number of days on-site may vary, and the schedule is subject to change based on program and customer requirements. Work hours will coincide with the standard command business hours of 0700-1630.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Obtain and maintain required access to military electronic health records (EHR) systems, such as Joint Longitudinal Viewer (JLV) and Theater Medical Data Store (TMDS)
  • Perform detailed reviews of health records and supporting documentation in multiple systems throughout the continuum of care to assign precise medical coding
  • Assign clinical codes using the following systems: International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM), Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
  • Enter codes and populate additional information from health records as required into the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database (EMED)
  • Perform additional medical records data abstraction as requested for study specific purposes
  • Examine, interpret, and prepare reports on various aspects of health records, including subject areas of general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurology, pathology, and radiology, as requested
  • Regularly perform a random audit on 10% of coded records to ensure the quality, accuracy, and consistency of coded data,
  • Perform monthly re-abstraction of a percentage of patient records and quarterly Inter-rater Reliability (IRR) assessments using an internal validation program
  • Develop and maintain project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to track progress and ensure timely completion
  • Resolve coding discrepancies, queries, and other data issues
  • Provide clinical and subject matter expertise to EDMS professionals
  • Work closely with principal investigators (PIs) and other professionals in EMDS to ensure data integrity and execute studies
  • Identify risks and challenges and immediately alert PIs to issues in obtaining and maintaining system access, clinical coding, and EMED performance
  • Prepare and deliver project status reports and updates to PIs and other department professionals, as requested
  • Ensure compliance with research protocols and regulatory standards, including HIPAA and PHI privacy standards
  • Participate in regularly scheduled team and department meetings
  • Work independently to achieve day-to-day objectives that impact operational results and project deliverables for the department
  • Ensure tasks are completed on time for mission requirements
  • Work with department staff on other tasks and duties as needed for customer mission
  • Model Leidos Values and uphold Leidos Code of Conduct at all times

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading for the keys to success!
Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in relevant field
  • Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist (CAISS)
  • Prior experience reviewing and coding ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, AIS, ISS, and CPT
  • Knowledge of military health issues, especially physical health and injury
  • Proven ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Experience facilitating clinical record analysis and classification
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
  • Ability to self-start, plan and prioritize tasks, demonstrate leadership, and work independently and in a team
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with military leadership, team members, and internal and external collaborators
  • Ability to manage multiple coding initiatives at once and reprioritize as necessary
  • Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a copy of their transcript (official or unofficial) with their application.
  • Hold US Citizenship and the ability obtain and maintain a SECRET government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Other certifications, including Nurse Informaticist Certification (NI-BC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification
  • Prior experience supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) with access to EHR systems
  • U.S. Citizen with an ACTIVE Secret Clearance

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 22, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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