ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Coder Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Software Programmer - Entry Level

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

CTF Software Programmer Entry Level Amentum Advanced Solutions (AS) is a performance unit of ... About 95% of the code is written in NI LabVIEW, training will be provided, so no prior experience ...

SNC-Lavalin

Nuclear Electrical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$80K - $90K/yr

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Oak Ridge, TN. Your Role * Assist in designing ... Apply knowledge and experience, industry best practices, regulatory guidance, codes and standards ...

AtkinsRéalis

Nuclear Electrical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Oak Ridge, TN. Your Role * Assist in designing ... Apply knowledge and experience, industry best practices, regulatory guidance, codes and standards ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCoder JobsEntry Level Coder JobsEntry Level Coder Jobs in Tennessee

Entry Level Coder information

See Tennessee salary details

$14

$24

$39

How much do entry level coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level coder in Tennessee is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $31.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do beginner coders make?

Entry-level coders typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and skills. Starting salaries can vary based on programming languages known, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Coder, you need a fundamental understanding of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or JavaScript), problem-solving abilities, and often a degree or coursework in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic database knowledge, and exposure to integrated development environments (IDEs) are typically required. Attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and good communication skills help you stand out in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively to coding projects, learn quickly, and integrate smoothly with development teams.

Will a medical coder be replaced by AI?

Medical coders perform tasks that require understanding complex medical terminology and documentation, which AI can assist with but not fully replace. While AI tools can improve efficiency and accuracy, human oversight remains essential for quality control and handling complex cases in medical coding. Entry-level coders should develop skills in coding systems like ICD and CPT and stay updated on technological advancements to remain competitive.

How to get into coding with no experience?

Entry level coders can start by learning programming languages such as Python or Java through online tutorials, coding bootcamps, or free resources. Building a portfolio of small projects and gaining familiarity with tools like Git can help demonstrate skills to employers. Internships or volunteer opportunities can also provide practical experience and improve job prospects.

Can I get a job as a coder with no experience?

Entry-level coding jobs often do not require prior professional experience, but candidates typically need foundational skills in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, and familiarity with development tools. Building a portfolio through personal projects, online courses, or certifications can improve chances of securing an entry-level position.

What are some common challenges entry level coders face when joining a new development team?

Entry level coders often encounter challenges such as understanding an existing codebase, adapting to the team's preferred tools and workflows, and bridging the gap between academic programming and real-world software development. It's common to feel overwhelmed initially, but most teams provide mentorship and code reviews to help new members learn best practices and improve their coding skills. Open communication and asking questions can significantly ease the transition and help new coders integrate smoothly into the team.

What Does an Entry-Level Coder Do?

Entry-level coding jobs are available in software development and the medical industry. While they share a title, they are completely different careers. In regards to software development, your responsibilities in this career include writing codes for computer programs, assisting with trial runs, documenting results from these tests, and translating program outcomes into improvements for your code. As an entry-level coder in the health care world, your duties involve following billing procedures, reviewing medical records for accuracy and completion, communicating with insurance companies, gathering information from patients, and ensuring that you use the proper diagnosis codes in medical records.

What are entry level coders?

Entry level coders are professionals who are just beginning their careers in computer programming or software development. They typically have foundational knowledge of programming languages and concepts, either from formal education or self-study. Entry level coders are responsible for writing, testing, and debugging code under the supervision of more experienced developers. Their roles often include maintaining simple software applications, learning best practices, and collaborating with teams to build software solutions. This position serves as a starting point for more advanced roles in the tech industry.
More about Entry Level Coder jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Coder jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Coder jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Coder jobs in Tennessee? For Entry Level Coder jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Coder jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Coder jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Coder jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Coder job openings:
Entry Level Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Coder job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Locum Tenens, 54% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 62% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,899 per year, or $25 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (Coder In/Out)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$36K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. MRTs (Coder-Outpatient and Inpatient) are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements Continued:
  • Education: An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records); OR,
  • Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding. The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, and the sponsoring academic institution must have been accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor, or comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed.
  • Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, general understanding of medical coding and the health record, and one year above high school, with a minimum of 6 semester hours of health information technology courses.
  • Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service, under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. Also, requires six additional months of creditable experience that is paid or non-paid employment equivalent to a MRT (Coder).
Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either below:
  • Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  • Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.
NOTE: Mastery level certification is required for all positions above the journey level; however, for clinical documentation improvement specialist assignments, a clinical documentation improvement certification may be substituted for a mastery level certification. Proof of your certification must be included in your application package.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-04 Entry Level Experience or Education: none beyond the basic education or experience.
GS-05 Developmental Level Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR,
Education: I have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or technology. Must provide transcripts with your application AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to use health information technology and various office software products used in MRT (Coder) positions (e.g., the electronic health record, coding and abstracting software, etc.).
  • Ability to navigate through and abstract pertinent information from health records.
  • Knowledge of the ICD CM, PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and CPT guidelines.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy/physiology, and disease processes to accurately assign codes to inpatient and outpatient episodes of care based on health record documentation.
  • Knowledge of The Joint Commission requirements, CMS, and/or health record documentation guidelines.
  • Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work to complete duties within required timeframes, and the ability to follow-up on pending issues.
GS-06 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation.
  • Ability to determine whether health records contain sufficient information for regulatory requirements, are acceptable as legal documents, are adequate for continuity of patient care, and support the assigned codes. This includes the ability to take appropriate actions if health record contents are not complete, accurate, timely, and/or reliable.
  • Ability to apply laws and regulations on the confidentiality of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, and HIPAA).
  • Ability to accurately apply the ICD CM, PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and CPT Guidelines to various coding scenarios.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current classification systems, such as ICD CM, PCS, CPT, HCPCS, and skill in applying classifications to both inpatient and outpatient records based on health record documentation.
  • Knowledge of complication or comorbidity/major complication or comorbidity (CC/MCC) and POA indicators to obtain correct MS-DRG.
GS-07 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Skill in applying current coding classifications to a variety of specialty care areas for outpatient episodes of care and/or inpatient professional services to accurately reflect service and care provided based on documentation in the health record.
  • Ability to communicate with clinical staff for specific coding and documentation issues, such as recording diagnoses and procedures, ensuring the correct sequencing of diagnoses and/or procedures, and verifying the relationship between health record documentation and coder assignment.
  • Ability to research and solve coding and documentation related issues.
  • Skill in reviewing and correcting system or processing errors and ensuring all assigned work is complete.
GS-08 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation. This includes the ability to read and understand the content of the health record, the terminology, the significance of the findings, and the disease process/pathophysiology of the patient.
  • Ability to accurately perform the full scope of outpatient coding, including ambulatory surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and outpatient encounters, and/or inpatient professional fee services coding.
  • Skill in interpreting and adapting health information guidelines that are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity, and the ability to use judgment in completing assignments using incomplete or inadequate guidelines.

Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-8.Employment Type: OTHER

Apply