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Trainee Clinical Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Clinical Documentation Specialists (CDS) or Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) software. The Outpatient Coder Auditor Trainee finalizes the coding and abstracting of the medical record upon ensuring the ...

Coder Educator Phys Pract

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

... support of trainees, and acts as a knowledge resource for all staff. Problem-solves and ... This may include monitoring and reviewing clinical documentation to ensure that clinical coding is ...

INPATIENT CODER

Milwaukee, WI · On-site +1

$25.82 - $44.16/hr

... clinical documentation, resolve coding nuances, and apply judgment to complex scenarios. Coders in this role may also assist with mentoring and supporting trainee coders as needed. EXPERIENCE ...

... clinical documentation, resolve coding nuances, and apply judgment to complex scenarios. Coders in this role may also assist with mentoring and supporting trainee coders as needed. EXPERIENCE ...

CDS Trainee

Ontario, CA · On-site

$26.04 - $29.69/hr

Responsibilities CDS Trainee is responsible for conducting clinically based concurrent and ... Working knowledge of Medicare reimbursement system and coding structures preferred. Pay ...

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Trainee Clinical Coder information

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$26.5K

$70.4K

$112.5K

How much do trainee clinical coder jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee clinical coder in the United States is $70,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee clinical coder?

Trainee Clinical Coders are entry-level professionals who learn to translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments from patient records into standardized codes. These codes are used for healthcare billing, data analysis, and ensuring accurate medical records. As trainees, they typically work under supervision while studying for accreditation and gaining hands-on experience in hospitals or healthcare settings. The role requires attention to detail, understanding of medical terminology, and adherence to coding standards such as ICD-10 and OPCS-4.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a trainee clinical coder?

To thrive as a Trainee Clinical Coder, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of medical terminology, often supported by GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Familiarity with coding classification systems like ICD-10, OPCS-4, and hospital information systems is typically required, and completing the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK) can be an asset. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you work efficiently with clinical staff and handle complex information. These competencies ensure that medical records are coded accurately, supporting effective healthcare delivery, billing, and data analysis.

What are some typical challenges trainee clinical coders face when learning to interpret medical records?

Trainee Clinical Coders often encounter challenges in understanding complex medical terminology and deciphering handwritten or incomplete clinical notes. It's common to feel overwhelmed when first trying to translate detailed patient records into standardized codes, as accuracy is crucial for billing and patient care. Many trainees find it helpful to ask questions, use coding manuals, and collaborate closely with experienced coders and clinical staff to build confidence and competence over time.

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

AspectTrainee Clinical CoderClinical Coder
QualificationsTypically enrolled in training or certification programsCertified or fully qualified in clinical coding
Work ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingPrevious experience or completed training
Work EnvironmentSupervised, learning environment in hospitals or clinicsIndependent or team-based coding tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with coding under supervisionAssigning accurate codes to medical records

The main difference is that a Trainee Clinical Coder is in the learning phase, gaining skills and certifications, while a Clinical Coder is fully qualified and responsible for independently coding medical records. Trainees are supervised and still developing their expertise, whereas qualified coders perform the role autonomously.

How to become a trainee clinical coder?

To become a trainee clinical coder, candidates typically need a relevant qualification such as a health information management or medical coding certification, along with good knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD and CPT. Some roles require prior healthcare experience or training programs offered by healthcare organizations or professional bodies. On-the-job training often accompanies entry-level positions, and strong attention to detail is essential.
More about Trainee Clinical Coder jobs

What cities are hiring for Trainee Clinical Coder jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee Clinical Coder job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Coder jobs?

The most popular types of Clinical Coder jobs are:

What states have the most Trainee Clinical Coder jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trainee Clinical Coder jobs include:

Infographic showing various Trainee Clinical Coder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,435 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

$26.04 - $32.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Prime Healthcare rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 285 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

605th of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system headquartered in Ontario, California. Prime Healthcare operates 54 hospitals and has more than 360 outpatient locations in 15 states providing more than 3.0million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems with over 60,000 employees and physicians. Twenty-one of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Prime Healthcare is actively seeking new members to join our corporate team!
Responsibilities
The Outpatient Coder Auditor Trainee reviews and analyzes documentation present in the medical record for outpatient visits to ensure accuracy of diagnosis and procedure codes assigned by the Coders or Clinical Documentation Specialists (CDS) or Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) software. The Outpatient Coder Auditor Trainee finalizes the coding and abstracting of the medical record upon ensuring the assignment of International Classifications of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9-CM) or Tenth revision (ICD-10/PCS), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Health Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), are accurate and supported by the clinical documentation of the respective medial record. Holding a senior coding position, assumes primary responsibility for DRG validation/accuracy, primary role in assisting CDS and medical staff members with improving quality of clinical documentation. Participates in chart review projects as assigned and other duties as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Work Experience
Required qualifications:
  1. Medical Graduate, PA or Nursing Graduate required.
  2. Basic computer experience required.
  3. Use of an encoder software product for code assignment in an acute care setting required

Preferred qualifications:
  1. Computer data entry with 10-key preferred, with accurate typing speed of 35 wpm preferred.
  2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent critical thinking skills.
  3. Excellent interpersonal skills to build effective partnering relationships with physicians, nurse staff, coding staff and hospital management staff.
  4. Ability to work independently in a time-oriented environment.
  5. Computer literacy and familiarity with the operation of basic office equipment.
  6. 1+ year of clinical experience in acute care setting preferred.

Pay Transparency
Prime Healthcare offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $26.04 to $32.37. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Full Time
Shift
Days
Equal Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

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