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Coder I Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$70K - $94K/yr

The City of Jurupa Valley is looking for a Code Enforcement Officer I who is ready to get out in the community and help make Jurupa Valley a safe, clean, and welcoming place to live, work, and do ...

DevOps Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$64.50 - $88.50/hr

Handle infrastructure as code, i.e. version control, code reviews, automated testing, etc. * Help triage, diagnose, debug and fix issues with production systems Qualifications * 5+ years of ...

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Coder I information

See California salary details

$15

$27

$42

How much do coder i jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for coder i in California is $27.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Coder I?

Coder I professionals, also known as entry-level medical coders, are responsible for reviewing clinical documents and assigning standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate medical records. Coder I roles typically require knowledge of coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, and they often work under the supervision of experienced coders or supervisors. This position is ideal for those starting their careers in medical coding and looking to gain hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coder I?

To thrive as a Coder I, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT, often supported by a relevant certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with health information management systems, electronic health records (EHR), and coding software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that distinguish successful coders. These competencies ensure accurate coding, compliance with regulations, and efficient healthcare billing and reimbursement processes.

What are some common challenges faced by a Coder I when interpreting complex medical documentation?

As a Coder I, one frequent challenge is accurately translating complex or ambiguous medical documentation into standardized codes. Incomplete or unclear physician notes can make it difficult to assign the correct diagnosis or procedure codes, which may impact billing and compliance. Collaboration with healthcare providers and attention to detail are essential to resolve discrepancies and ensure coding accuracy. Many organizations offer mentorship and ongoing training to help new coders improve their skills in this area.

What is the difference between Coder I vs Medical Coder?

AspectCoder IMedical Coder
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsCertification often preferred (e.g., CPC, CCS)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesHospitals, outpatient facilities, insurance companies
Industry UsageEntry-level coding roles across various industriesSpecialized in healthcare billing and coding
Search/Comparison IntentCommonly compared for entry-level coding rolesFocuses on healthcare-specific coding tasks

In summary, a Coder I is an entry-level position that may involve basic coding tasks across industries, while a Medical Coder specializes in healthcare billing and coding, often requiring specific certifications. Both roles are essential in their respective fields, but Medical Coders have a more specialized focus within the healthcare industry.

How much money does a coder I make?

A Coder I typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and industry. Entry-level coders often start at the lower end of this range and can increase their salary with additional skills or certifications in programming languages and development tools.

What kind of jobs can coding get you?

Coding skills can lead to a variety of jobs such as software developer, web developer, data analyst, systems analyst, and quality assurance tester. These roles often require knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, and may involve working in teams, using development tools, and following project deadlines.

What are popular job titles related to Coder I jobs in California?

For Coder I jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Coder I jobs?

Cities in California with the most Coder I job openings:

Infographic showing various Coder I job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,433 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Coding Technician III - FT Days

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Torrance, CA • On-site

$44.86 - $72.63/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Abstracts, codes, and electronically records diagnoses, surgical procedures, and other significant procedures documented by physicians in inpatient and outpatient medical records.

  • Reviews and assigns codes for diagnoses and procedures according to official guidelines, conventions, and coding sets such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, ensuring proper sequencing and reporting.

  • Consults with healthcare providers to obtain clarification documentation to ensure accurate and complete diagnosis and procedure code assignments.


Torrance Memorial Medical Center rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

INPATIENT & AMBULATORY SURGERY MEDICAL RECORDING CODING
;
; Abstracts, codes, and electronically records all diagnoses, surgical procedures, and other significant invasive and non- invasive procedures documented by the physician in any inpatient medical records. May also code Emergency Department and assorted outpatient surgery medical records to assists with outpatient coding backlogs, as needed.Core Competencies
  • Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for the principal diagnosis, principal procedure, complications and comorbid (CC) conditions, and other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures that should be coded according to ICD-10-CM official guidelines for coding and reporting, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM.
  • Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for
    the principal procedure, other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures according to the coding conventions and guidelines outlined in the CPT code set, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), the Outpatient Coding Editor (OCE), and the AMA CPT Assistant publication.
  • Applies Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) coding assignment requirements regarding the following: Modifiers approved for Hospital Outpatient use, CPT consistent with HCPCS Level II , Medical Necessity Justification (i.e., linking diagnosis to procedure/service performed), Evaluation and Management code assignment, when necessary.
  • Consults with physicians and other healthcare providers to obtain clarification documentation to assist with accurate and complete diagnosis and procedure code assignments.
  • Demonstrates competency in performance of coding functions by maintaining current knowledge in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding.
  • Assists with the accurate abstraction and the correction of 'hospital discharge data set' through the Medical Information Reporting for California (MIRCal) system, in accordance with the regulations administered by the Office of Statewide Health, Planning nd Development (OSHPD).
  • Maintains a daily productivity level according to the benchmarks and standards outline in the HIM department policy and procedure.


Department Specific Competencies
  • Participates in departmental and hospital performance improvement activities (BPI projects, task forces, etc) when appropriate.
  • Performs indicated clerical and computer-related duties.
  • Answers telephone in a timely manner and ascertains needs and routes accordingly.


EducationDegreeProgramN/AN/A
Additional InformationHigh School Diploma, GED, or Higher Education. Completion of an 'American Health Information Management Association' (AHIMA) or an 'American Academy of Professional Coders' (AAPC) approved/sanctioned ICD-10-CM & CPT-4 coding certification program. Completion of: (1) Medical Terminology and (2) Anatomy & Physiology courses.
;
;
;
;National Certification: AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) only; or CCS along with any one of the following national certification:
;
;1. AHIMA Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
;
;2. AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
ExperienceNumber of Years ExperienceType of Experience23 years inpatient & outpatient ICD-10-CM & CPT-4 coding in acute care facility.
Additional InformationN/A
License / Certification Requirements

Compensation Range:

$44.86 - 72.63 / Hour

Employment Type: Full-Time

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