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Medical Coder Jobs in Bakersfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Assistant (Family Practice)

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records; completing diagnostic coding and procedure coding; and keeping patient information ...

Good Samaritan Hospital

MEDICAL ASSISTANT-ARVIN, CA

Arvin, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The Medical Assistant will function within the scope of practice as described by the State of ... Respond to Code blues, Take and record patient vital signs, height, weight, etc. * Obtain and ...

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Medical Coder information

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$16

$23

$35

How much do medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coder in Bakersfield, CA is $23.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $24.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical coder?

Medical coders are healthcare professionals who review clinical documents and translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Medical coders play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare providers are reimbursed correctly and that records comply with regulatory requirements. They must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and the coding systems used in healthcare, such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.

What does a medical coder do?

A medical coder works in the billing department of doctor's offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Medical coders transfer healthcare claims into universal medical codes for insurance reimbursement. To work as a medical coder, you must have great attention to detail and a solid base knowledge of medical terminology, procedure and visit authorizations, and insurance billing procedures. Having a degree is not required, but many employers prefer candidates who have an associate degree in medical coding or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. When you first start in this job, your employer may have you shadow other billing staff members and be supervised when you submit your first few claims.

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

To thrive as a Medical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by a certification such as CPC, CCS, or CCA. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate and efficient code assignment. These skills are crucial to maximize reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce billing errors in healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges medical coders face when working with complex patient records?

Medical coders often encounter challenges when interpreting complex patient records, such as incomplete physician documentation or ambiguous medical terminology. Accurately assigning the correct codes requires strong attention to detail and frequent communication with healthcare providers to clarify information. Staying updated on coding guidelines and regulations is essential, as errors can impact billing and compliance. Many coders find that developing effective organizational habits and leveraging coding software helps manage these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Medical Coder vs Medical Biller?

AspectMedical CoderMedical Biller
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companiesMedical offices, billing companies, hospitals
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssigning codes to diagnoses and procedures based on medical recordsSubmitting claims, following up on payments, managing billing processes

Medical coders and medical billers work closely in healthcare revenue cycle management. While medical coders focus on translating medical records into standardized codes, medical billers handle the billing process to ensure healthcare providers are reimbursed. Both roles require understanding of healthcare documentation and often share certifications, but their core functions differ in coding versus billing tasks.

How much money do you make as a medical coder?

Medical coders typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $55,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced coders earning more. Salaries can vary based on certification, experience, location, and work setting, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics.

Is it hard to get hired as a medical coder?

Getting hired as a medical coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong attention to detail improves job prospects. Employers often look for familiarity with coding software and healthcare documentation, and entry-level positions are available for those with proper training.

Is medical coding still a good career?

Medical coding is a stable and in-demand profession due to the ongoing need for accurate medical record documentation and billing. Certified coders with knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, along with strong attention to detail, are well-positioned for employment in healthcare settings. The field offers opportunities for remote work and career advancement.
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Medical Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Coder job openings in Bakersfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,240 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Health Information Services Coder - Full Time - Temporary

Kern Medical

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$22.53 - $30.27/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Kern Medical rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Health Information Services Coder I - Temporary

Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, we are an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, offering the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Kern Medical offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services, including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient-centered wellness care. Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year.

Kern Medical strives to recruit the highest quality candidates, resulting in a high performance workforce that consistently delivers quality patient care.

Extra-help employment has a limited term (up to 9 months). Health Benefits coverage may be offered.

Compensation: The estimated pay for this position is $22.5260 to $30.2730. This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry level in the flexible series of Health Information Services Coder I/II. Assignments at this level involve routine coding and abstracting functions, performed under close supervision. Promotion to Health Information Services Coder II is considered on a merit basis and is subject to recommendation of the Department Head and approval by the Director of Personnel.

Essential Functions:

  • Codes and abstracts routine patient medical record information according to the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification Systems (ICD) and the current procedure terminology (CPT) Manual and coding conventions and guidelines as established by the Coding Clinic and Office of Statewide Health Planning Department (OSHPD) reporting requirements.
  • Assists with statewide Office of Statewide Health Planning Department (OSHPD) reporting by determining accurate identification of the Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) for proper reimbursement.
  • Reviews medical records documentation/information and verifies coding and DRG assignments in response to billing requests.
  • Responds to authorized request from agencies, administration and individuals regarding DRG coding questions or concerns.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of current guidelines and regulations affecting code assignments through continuing education sessions and approved references such as journals, workshops and teleconferences.

Other Functions:

  • Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards: One year of diagnostic and procedure coding experience in a hospital, health care facility, or physician's office. OR Completion of a medical coding program whereby the necessary skills were obtained to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of: Standards and regulations pertaining to the maintenance of patient medical records; medical records coding systems; medical terminology; anatomy and physiology and study of diseases; health information systems for computer application to medical records.

Ability to: Utilize the ICD classification system to code medical record entries; abstract information from medical records; read medical record notes and reports; set accurate Diagnostic Related Groups; comply with the American Health Information Management Associate's Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Coding and applicable Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS) standards; use computers and various software to accomplish work.

Supplemental: A background check may be conducted for this classification.

All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver's License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver's license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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