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Lead Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook Systems

Sr. Clinical Coder

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Lead coding projects as directed by Clinical Operations management. * Provide training and mentoring for new and existing Clinical Coders. * Perform DRG Validation of medical claims coding using ...

Parallon

Inpatient Coder Team Lead

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

Inpatient Coder Team Lead Job Summary and Qualifications As a work from home Inpatient Coding Lead, you will perform as the daily contact for coding, DRG/code validation, operational, and general ...

Parallon

Inpatient Coder Team Lead

Lebanon, TN · On-site

Inpatient Coder Team Lead Job Summary and Qualifications As a work from home Inpatient Coding Lead, you will perform as the daily contact for coding, DRG/code validation, operational, and general ...

Parallon

Inpatient Coder Team Lead

Nashville, TN · On-site

Inpatient Coder Team Lead Job Summary and Qualifications As a work from home Inpatient Coding Lead, you will perform as the daily contact for coding, DRG/code validation, operational, and general ...

Parallon

Inpatient Coder Team Lead

Franklin, TN · On-site

Inpatient Coder Team Lead Job Summary and Qualifications As a work from home Inpatient Coding Lead, you will perform as the daily contact for coding, DRG/code validation, operational, and general ...

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How much do lead coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead coder in the United States is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying coder?

Lead coders or senior software developers typically earn the highest salaries among coding roles, especially those with expertise in high-demand areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and technical skills, with top-tier professionals earning six-figure salaries or more in some regions and companies.

What are the main responsibilities of a Lead Coder in managing software development projects?

As a Lead Coder, you'll oversee the technical aspects of software projects, including designing system architecture, reviewing code, and ensuring coding standards are met. You will coordinate with other developers, assign tasks, and provide mentorship to junior team members. Regular collaboration with project managers and stakeholders is also essential to align technical solutions with business goals and timelines. This role requires balancing hands-on coding with leadership and communication responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Lead Coder, you need advanced programming expertise, a deep understanding of software development lifecycles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with code versioning tools like Git, familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, and certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer are highly valuable. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help a Lead Coder effectively guide teams and manage complex projects. These competencies ensure high-quality code delivery, efficient team collaboration, and the successful execution of software projects.

What is the highest paid coding job?

Lead software engineers and technical directors are among the highest-paid coding roles, often earning six-figure salaries or more, especially in industries like finance, technology, and consulting. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and knowledge of programming languages, system architecture, and project management.

What are Lead Coders?

Lead Coders are experienced software developers who oversee and guide a team of programmers on a project. They are responsible for setting coding standards, reviewing code, and ensuring that the team follows best practices throughout the development process. In addition to writing code themselves, Lead Coders mentor junior developers, coordinate tasks, and act as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Their leadership helps ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and to a high standard of quality.

Will a medical coder be replaced by AI?

Medical coders perform detailed coding of healthcare diagnoses and procedures, and while AI tools can assist with coding accuracy and efficiency, they are unlikely to fully replace human coders in the near future due to the need for clinical judgment and understanding of complex cases. Coders with strong knowledge of coding systems like ICD and CPT, along with certification, remain essential in healthcare settings.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

As a Lead Coder, pay differences between CCS (Cognos Content Store) and CPC (Cost Per Click) are not directly comparable since CCS is a software component and CPC is an advertising pricing model. If referring to coding or technical roles, pay depends on the specific industry, skills, and experience rather than these terms. Clarifying the context is essential for accurate salary comparisons.

What is the difference between Lead Coder vs Software Developer?

AspectLead CoderSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires coding certifications and experience in specific languagesRequires a degree in computer science or related field, with or without certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads coding teams, reviews code, and sets coding standardsFocuses on writing, testing, and maintaining software code
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, software firms, and development teamsWidely used across all software development sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for leadership roles in coding teamsCompared for general software development roles

The main difference is that a Lead Coder oversees coding projects and guides team members, while a Software Developer primarily focuses on writing and maintaining code. Lead Coders have leadership responsibilities, whereas Software Developers concentrate on technical tasks.

What cities are hiring for Lead Coder jobs? Cities with the most Lead Coder job openings:
What states have the most Lead Coder jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Coder jobs include:
Lead Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Coder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 62% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,501 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Inpatient Surgical Coder "Complex Spine coding - Must have Facility"

Inpatient Surgical Coder "Complex Spine coding - Must have Facility"

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

Phoenix, AZ • Remote

$21 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews and abstracts clinical documentation from complex inpatient orthopedic and spine surgery records to assign accurate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, POA, and discharge disposition codes.
• Independently codes high-acuity inpatient orthopedic spine surgery cases including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar procedures, revisions, fusions, instrumentation, and neurological-related musculoskeletal procedures.
• Provides real-time feedback and training for coding staff to improve coding quality and productivity.
• Applies and validates accurate MS-DRG assignments while ensuring compliance with CMS, UHDDS, Official Coding Guidelines, and payer-specific requirements.
• Identifies coding trends, documentation gaps, and reimbursement risks and communicates findings to leadership.
• Maintains productivity and quality standards while managing high-volume and high-complexity inpatient workloads.
• Serves as a coding resource and mentor to less experienced coders and assists with onboarding and education initiatives.
• Participates in policy development, coding guideline interpretation, and implementation of regulatory updates.
• Acts as a liaison between coding staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Supports coding audits, denials management, appeals, and quality improvement activities as assigned.

EDUCATION
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or related field preferred.
• Must hold at least one of the following: RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CIC. CCS strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4+5+ years of IP facility/hospital coding experience required.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of recent/current experience coding complex inpatient surgical cases required.
• Extensive experience with inpatient coding (ICD-10-PCS and DRG assignment) required.
• Demonstrated expertise in orthopedic surgical coding across multiple subspecialties.
• Prior experience in auditing, mentoring, or leading coding teams strongly preferred.
• Experience with denial management, appeals, and payer audits preferred.

REQUIREMENTS
• Advanced to expert level knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, CPT and HCPCS coding systems.
• Advanced understanding of DRG and APC reimbursement methodologies, ortho anatomy and spine surgical techniques.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex coding guidelines and regulatory updates.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop coding staff.
• Prominent level of accuracy, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with coding software, EMR systems, and reporting tools.

KNOWLEDGE
• In-depth knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines, UHDDS, CMS regulations, and payer-specific rules.
• Advanced understanding of orthopedic anatomy, surgical techniques, and musculoskeletal disease processes.
• Knowledge of compliance, audit methodologies, and revenue cycle impacts related to coding.
• Familiarity with quality programs, benchmarking, and performance improvement initiatives.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for complex inpatient case resolution.
• Effective communication skills when interacting with physicians, CDI, and interdisciplinary departments.
• Ability to provide coding education and informal guidance to coding staff.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

ABILITIES

• Ability to lead coding staff in a collaborative and performance-driven environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, including coding, auditing, and team support.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and compliance standards.
• Ability to work independently while influencing team performance.

Apply