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How much do health information coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for health information coder in California is $29.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are medical coders still in demand?

Medical coders, including health information coders, are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical billing and record-keeping. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and health information management companies.

What do health information coders do?

Health information coders review medical records and assign standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services using coding systems like ICD and CPT. Their work ensures accurate billing, proper documentation, and compliance with healthcare regulations, often requiring attention to detail and familiarity with coding software. Certification such as CPC is commonly preferred in this role.

What are some common challenges Health Information Coders face when working with electronic health records (EHRs)?

Health Information Coders often encounter challenges such as deciphering incomplete or ambiguous documentation in electronic health records, ensuring coding accuracy amidst frequent software updates, and staying compliant with evolving coding standards like ICD-10 and CPT. They must also communicate effectively with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and resolve discrepancies. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, ongoing education, and adaptability to new technologies and regulations.

Is it hard to get hired as a medical coder?

Getting hired as a health information coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong attention to detail improves job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and some positions may require prior experience or training. Overall, with proper skills and credentials, entry into the field is achievable.

What medical coder gets paid the most?

Senior-level health information coders, such as Certified Professional Coders (CPC) with specialized expertise or those working in high-demand specialties like radiology or cardiology, tend to earn the highest salaries. Experience, certifications, and working in healthcare settings like hospitals or large clinics can also increase earning potential.

What is the difference between Health Information Coder vs Medical Biller?

AspectHealth Information CoderMedical Biller
Primary RoleAssigns medical codes for diagnoses and procedures based on patient recordsProcesses billing and submits claims to insurance companies
CertificationsAHIMA CCS, CCS-P or AAPC CPCCertified Professional Biller (CPB) or similar
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, health information departmentsMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
FocusMedical coding and record accuracyFinancial transactions and insurance claims

While both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management, Health Information Coders focus on assigning accurate medical codes for patient records, whereas Medical Billers handle the billing process and insurance claims. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within healthcare administration.

What are Health Information Coders?

Health Information Coders, also known as medical coders, are professionals who translate healthcare services, procedures, diagnoses, and equipment into standardized codes. These codes are used for medical billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Coders work with healthcare providers to ensure that records are complete and coding is accurate, which is essential for patient care, compliance, and reimbursement. They must be knowledgeable about healthcare terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and regulations regarding patient privacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Health Information Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Information Coder, you need a deep understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by an associate degree and certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with coding software, electronic health records (EHRs), and classification systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills set outstanding coders apart. These competencies ensure accurate medical record coding, compliance with regulations, and optimized healthcare reimbursement.
What cities in California are hiring for Health Information Coder jobs? Cities in California with the most Health Information Coder job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Health Information Coder jobs in CA? For Health Information Coder jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Health Information Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Health Information Coder job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,651 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Health Information Coder 1 (Sign on Bonus eligible)

Health Information Coder 1 (Sign on Bonus eligible)

University of California San Francisco

Emeryville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description


***New Hires are eligible for a Sign-On Bonus***
JOB SUMMARY
The Health Information Coder I is an entry level coder with a basic knowledge and skill set to utilize ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS classifications systems to code across various healthcare settings, including outpatient, emergency department, and ancillary services. This role ensures coding accuracy, compliance with regulatory guidelines, and adherence to UCSF policies, supporting proper reimbursement and revenue cycle integrity. The Coder I collaborates with healthcare providers, revenue cycle teams, and compliance departments to resolve documentation issues and maintain high standards of coding performance.
The employee will work eight (8) hours per day, excluding meal periods, on five (5) consecutive days within a workweek. The workweek schedule is set between the employee and the manager and may be scheduled to start any day of the week based on manager approval.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
UCSF's Health Information Management department maintains health records for all inpatient, outpatient, and same-day surgery services. These records are protected under HIPPA and California state law, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. The coding department at UCSF is responsible for translating detailed clinical documentation, such as diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized alphanumeric codes that can be understood by all parts of the healthcare system. Its main purpose is to ensure accurate communication, billing, compliance, and data use across hospitals, clinics, insurers, and public health agencies.
***Note: We are offering a new hire sign-on bonus of $2,000. All external new hires who have not worked for a UC in the last 12 months are eligible. The bonus is payable after 30 days of continuous employment.
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
100
  1. Assigns accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services based on documentation in the medical record.
  2. Knowledge of Evaluation and Management code assignment.
  3. Ensures coding compliance with federal regulations, payer policies, UCSF standards, and industry guidelines including LCD/NCD requirements.
  4. Reviews medical records and abstracts necessary information, ensuring documentation supports assigned codes for billing and reimbursement.
  5. Resolves coding edits, discrepancies, and denials, collaborating with appropriate departments to ensure accurate claim submission.
  6. Maintains productivity and quality benchmarks achieving organizational accuracy standards and ensuring timely completion of coding assignments.
  7. Participates in ongoing education and training, staying updated on changes in ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS and regulatory compliance.
  8. Works with revenue cycle teams, providers, and compliance staff to clarify documentation and coding-related issues.
  9. Uses electronic medical records, coding software, and hospital billing systems to perform daily coding activities.
  10. Report to a lead or manager.
  11. Interact with internal and external UCSF Health staff and customers.
  12. Satisfactory time and attendance

100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school graduation or G.E.D.
  • 1-3 years of healthcare coding or related healthcare experience.
  • Must pass the initial knowledge assessment test with a score of 80%.
  • Must meet daily production requirement with minimal accuracy rate of 95%.
  • Basic EHR and encoder skills
  • Basic computer skills, including Windows, Word and Excel.
  • Proven excellent communication and cooperative skills.
  • Ability to analyze information, make decisions and exercise independent judgment.
  • Ability to follow written directions.
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and perform well under pressure.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology, medical abbreviations, disease processes, anatomy and physiology.
  • Knowledge of the ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS and CPT classification systems.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • Certified Outpatient Code (COC), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based (CCS-P), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or other coding certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
  • Knowledge of HIMS database systems.
  • Knowledge of HIMS procedures.

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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