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Entry Level Inpatient Coding Jobs in North Carolina

Entry Level Inpatient Coding information

See North Carolina salary details

$14

$21

$30

How much do entry level inpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level inpatient coding in North Carolina is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $22.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coding is experiencing a workforce shortage due to increasing healthcare documentation complexity and demand for accurate coding. Entry-level inpatient coders with certification and familiarity with coding software are in particular demand, leading to more job opportunities in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

How do I become a coder with no experience?

Entry level inpatient coding positions typically require a basic understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Gaining certification through programs such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) can improve job prospects, and completing online courses or training programs can help build necessary skills without prior experience.

What is entry level inpatient coding?

Entry level inpatient coding involves reviewing and assigning standardized medical codes to diagnoses and procedures documented in a patient’s hospital records. Coders use classification systems like ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS to ensure accurate billing and facilitate healthcare data analysis. As an entry-level position, it typically requires a foundational understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines, often supported by a coding certification. Coders play a vital role in helping hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Inpatient Coding vs Medical Records Technician?

AspectEntry Level Inpatient CodingMedical Records Technician
CertificationsCPCT, CPC, CCS (preferred)RHIT, RHIA (preferred)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, healthcare facilitiesClinics, hospitals, healthcare offices
Job FocusAssigning inpatient diagnosis and procedure codesManaging and organizing patient records
Common Search IntentInpatient coding roles and certificationsMedical records management and coding

Entry Level Inpatient Coding primarily involves assigning codes to inpatient hospital stays, requiring coding certifications. Medical Records Technicians focus on organizing and maintaining patient records, often with similar certifications. While both roles work in healthcare settings, inpatient coding emphasizes coding accuracy for billing, whereas medical records technicians handle record management. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and certifications.

How do I become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification through organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is often required or preferred, and familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential.

How much do beginner coders make?

Entry-level inpatient coders typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, certification, and employer. Starting salaries may increase with experience, additional certifications, and proficiency in coding software and medical terminology.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level inpatient coders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical documentation, learning various coding systems (like ICD-10-CM and PCS), and understanding hospital-specific billing requirements. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from experienced coders, participate in ongoing training sessions, and regularly review coding guidelines and updates. Building strong communication skills is also essential, as coders frequently collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and ensure coding accuracy. With practice and support, new coders can quickly develop proficiency and confidence in their role.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Inpatient Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, typically supported by a certification such as CCA, CCS, or RHIT. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software is important for accurate and efficient code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure precise documentation and compliance. These skills are essential to support accurate billing, reimbursement, and regulatory adherence in healthcare organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coding jobs in North Carolina? The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs in North Carolina are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in North Carolina? For Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in North Carolina look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in North Carolina are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most Entry Level Inpatient Coding job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Inpatient Coding job openings in North Carolina as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,802 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
CRNA - Atrium Health Cabarrus

$204K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

NEW UPDATED SALARY SCALE WITH ENTRY LEVEL STARTING AT $204,443/yr. 

$100,000 SIGN ON BONUS  

If it's possible, you will find it at Atrium Health-the leading community-focused academic healthcare system serving North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. We invite CRNAs to discover all that we can do when we bring healing hearts, inquisitive minds and visionaries together in our CRNA division at AH Cabarrus in Concord, NC. 

About the Opportunity/Position Highlights  

Level III Trauma facility 

Opportunities include Adult Heart, HPB, Neuro, Code Stroke, OB, Pediatrics, NORA (non-OR anesthesia). 

Shift opportunities offer a wide variety including days, afternoons, nights, overnight call, with possibilities of 8, 10, 12, 24-hour options.  

Concentration in Hearts, OB 

Opportunity to participate in committees, teaching opportunities available for varied allied health care learners as well as SRNAs from the CMC/UNCC Nurse Anesthesia Program & the University of Wake Forest School of Nurse Anesthesia. 

Comprehensive comp & benefits package including Updated salary, Performance Incentives, 401(k), 457 Retirement Savings Plans, PTO & PTO Cash In, Day 1 Insurance Coverage, Family Leave Benefits, FSHA, HDHP with HSA and Health Insurance Plan options, plus a variety of optional benefits ranging from dependent day care, pet insurance, legal, etc.  

Candidate Highlights 

NC RN licensure required. Graduate of an accredited School of Nurse Anesthesia required. CRNA licensure required. BLS and ACLS PALS from AHA required 

About the Practice/Facility 

Atrium Health Cabarrus:Atrium HealthCabarrusis a regional 457-bed, not-for-profit hospitalin Concord, NC. More than 4,200 hospital employees provide services through an extensive inpatient and outpatient network, including Jeff Gordon Children's Center, Hayes Family Center and Batte Cancer Center, part of Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute.  Handles over18,000 casesannually.Specialties include Cardiac, Vascular, Thoracic, HPB, General, OB/GYN, Orthopedic Trauma, Ortho, Robotics, Urology, Plastics, Neuro (no heads), EP, Cath Lab, IR, MRI, Endoscopy, and Bronchoscopy.  

About the location/area  

Atrium Health Cabarrus located in NC Concord, is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Concord is within close proximity to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Concord offers a very affordable cost of living, making it an attractive place to live and work. Whether you're looking for a cozy apartment or a spacious family home, you'll find a range of housing options to suit your needs.  Concord boasts strong schools in both the public and private sectors, ensuring that your children receive a top-notch education.  Concord has plenty to offer. From hiking and equestrian facilities to two large lakes and 37 miles of greenway trails, there's always something to do. Concord is a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. 

When you join Atrium Health, you will be welcomed into a culture that celebrates and respects the contributions teams can make together. Practice where your voice is valued, your passion for advancing medicine is rewarded, and you get the resources and support you need to thrive personally and professionally. In our nationally-renowned integrated health system, you can work alongside the most advanced minds in medicine to improve medicine, and redefine care for ALL.


Atrium Health Floyd logo

About Atrium Health Floyd

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Atrium Health Floyd, based in Rome, GA, US, is a leading healthcare provider that has been dedicated to improving the well-being of its community since 1942. Working under the industry of medical services and healthcare, they provide a wide variety of clinical and supportive services, including a full range of acute care services, a family birth center, and a state-of-the-art cancer center. As a part of Atrium Health, their mission is to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing - for all, echoing their commitment to the health and wellness of the communities they serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rome, GA, US