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Medical Coder Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSW Health

Trainee

New England, ND · On-site

All patients remain under the direct care of a specialist medical practitioner and any decision regarding their care must be clearly communicated to that specialist. * Trainees will comply with Codes ...

Froedtert

INPATIENT CODER

Milwaukee, WI

$25.82 - $44.16/hr

The Inpatient Coder is responsible for reviewing and accurately coding inpatient medical records ... Coders in this role may also assist with mentoring and supporting trainee coders as needed.

FROEDTERT HEALTH

INPATIENT CODER

Milwaukee, WI · On-site +1

$25.82 - $44.16/hr

The Inpatient Coder is responsible for reviewing and accurately coding inpatient medical records ... Coders in this role may also assist with mentoring and supporting trainee coders as needed.

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Medical Coder Trainee information

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How much do medical coder trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coder trainee in the United States is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are medical coders still in demand?

Medical coders are currently in demand due to ongoing healthcare industry growth and the need for accurate medical billing and coding. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and certifications such as CPC can enhance job prospects. Employment opportunities are expected to remain steady as healthcare providers seek skilled professionals to ensure compliance and reimbursement.

How to become a trainee clinical coder?

To become a medical coder trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a coding training program or certification course such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Gaining familiarity with medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential; some employers also require or prefer prior healthcare experience or certification before starting as a trainee.

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

To thrive as a Medical Coder Trainee, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by a certificate in medical coding or related coursework. Familiarity with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, as well as proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) and billing software, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate coding, regulatory compliance, and efficient reimbursement processes in healthcare organizations.

What is the difference between Medical Coder Trainee vs Medical Coder?

AspectMedical Coder TraineeMedical Coder
CertificationsTypically none or in progressCertified CPC, CCS, or equivalent
Work ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingUsually 1+ years of experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised training settingIndependent coding tasks in healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning coding guidelines, shadowingAssigning codes, ensuring accuracy

The main difference between a Medical Coder Trainee and a Medical Coder is experience and certification. Trainees are in training, often without certifications, working under supervision. Medical Coders are experienced professionals with certifications, handling independent coding tasks in healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Medical Coder Trainees during their initial months on the job?

Medical Coder Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex medical documentation accurately and familiarizing themselves with various coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS. Adjusting to productivity and accuracy standards while balancing the pressure of meeting deadlines can also be demanding. Additionally, trainees may need to develop effective communication skills to collaborate with healthcare providers and clarify documentation ambiguities. Supportive mentorship and consistent practice are key to overcoming these initial hurdles.

Can I get a medical coder job with no experience?

Medical coder trainees can often find entry-level positions even without prior experience, as training programs and certifications like CPC can help develop necessary skills. Employers may provide on-the-job training, but having a basic understanding of medical terminology and coding guidelines improves job prospects. Certification and attention to detail are important for success in this role.

What are Medical Coder Trainees?

Medical Coder Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning how to convert healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into standardized codes. They work under the supervision of experienced medical coders or billing professionals as they gain practical experience and knowledge. Their primary role is to ensure accurate and efficient coding for billing and insurance purposes, following current coding guidelines and healthcare regulations. Trainees often participate in on-the-job training, educational courses, and may prepare for certification exams.

How to get training in medical coding?

Medical coder trainees can obtain training through accredited coding programs offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or online institutions. These programs typically include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and often prepare students for certification exams such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Practical experience through internships or on-the-job training is also valuable for skill development.
More about Medical Coder Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Medical Coder Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Medical Coder Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs? The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs are:
What states have the most Medical Coder Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Medical Coder Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Medical Coder Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Coder Trainee jobs are:
Medical Coder Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Coder Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Locum Tenens, 35% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 58% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,638 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Coder III - Technical

UPMC Senior Communities

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$23.60 - $35.38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

UPMC Corporate Revenue Cycle is hiring a Coder III to join our Coding Department! This position will be a work-from-home position working Monday through Friday during business hours.
As the Coder III you will have all responsibilities of coder trainee, coder I, II plus the following: Monitor and responds to accounts on Pre-Bill edit and error reports. Assist with training other coders as requested. Perform PHC4 coding corrections; provides feedback to coders who made errors. Monitor the Daily Cirius Error report to ensure that there are zero accounts exceeding the expected completion timeframe. Review and respond to the Pre-Bill Edit report issues to ensure timely billing. Assist with special projects as requested.
We are looking for coders with prior experience with interventional radiology and cardiology CPT coding to join the team. If you are ready to take the next step in your coding career, look no further!
Responsibilities:
  • Determine diagnoses that were treated, monitored and evaluated and procedures done during the episode of care and assign appropriate codes. Review appropriate documents in the patients' charts to accurately assign a diagnosis and/or procedure. Ensure the diagnoses and procedures are sequenced in order of their clinical significance to accurately assign the appropriate DRG/APC/ASC or payment tier under the Prospective Payment system or DSM IV methodology to guarantee accurate reimbursement on UPMC patients.
  • Make forward progress within the training period toward meeting coding accuracy standards of 98% within the first year of employment. Meet appropriate coding productivity standards within the time frame established by management staff.
  • Code all diagnoses and procedures by assigning and verifying the proper ICD-9-CM/ICD-10 and CPT codes (DSM IV if applicable). Assign the principal and secondary diagnoses and procedures by thoroughly reviewing all documentation available at the time of coding.
  • Adhere to internal department policies and procedures to ensure efficient work processes. Actively participate in monthly coding meetings and share ideas and suggestions for operational improvements. Maintain continuing education by attending seminars, reviewing updated CPT assistant guidelines and updated coding clinics.
  • Complete work assignments in a timely manner and understand the workflow of the department. Maintain daily productivity statistics and submit a weekly productivity sheet to management clearly indicating the number of hours worked, the number of coding hours, the number of average charts per hour, and number of minutes/hours spent on non-coding tasks.
  • Identify incomplete documentation in the medical record and formulate a physician query to obtain missing documentation and/or clarification to accurately complete the coding process. Consult with DRG Specialist when applicable during query process.
  • Refer problem accounts to appropriate coding or management personnel for resolution.
  • Review coding for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to billing system utilizing CCI edits. Utilize standard coding guidelines, principles and coding clinics to assign the appropriate ICD-9-CM/ICD-10, CPT and DSM IV codes for all record types to ensure accurate reimbursement. (i.e. use of coding clinics, CPT Assistant, etc). Utilize the ACEP acuity level guidelines for assigning the correct acuity level for ED coding, or hospital specific acuity level module as needed.
  • Utilize computer applications and resources essential to completing the coding process efficiently, such as hospital information systems (Medipac/SMS/Meditech), encoders and electronic medical record repositories. If applicable, abstract required medical and demographic information from the medical record and enter the data into the appropriate information system to ensure accuracy of the database. Correct any data to be in error after reviewing the medical record and comparing with system entries.

Qualifications:
  • High School or GED equivalent.
  • Completed an AHIMA or AACP-certified Coding program or certificate, Bidwell Training School or equivalent program with a curriculum that includes Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Medical Terminology, ICD-9-CM/ICD-10 and CPT Coding Guidelines and Procedures.
  • Three years of hospital coding experience.
  • Strong interventional radiology and cardiology CPT coding skills preferred

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  • Requires CCS or RHIT or RHIA or Certified Professional Coder certification
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) OR Certified Professional Coder (CPC) OR Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) OR Registered Health Information Administrator OR Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
  • Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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