The qualifications needed for a career as a surgical coder include an associate's degree in medical coding. While most employers accept an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree in medical information management may improve your job prospects. These programs not only teach you the skills of medical coding but also provide you with the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, which are essential for completing your job duties as a surgical coder. Once you have enough experience, you should obtain the specialty designation of Certified General Surgery Coder by passing the examination administered by the AAPC.

If you are interested in a job related to Surgical Coder, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Surgical Coder Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Surgical Coder positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Risk Adjustment Coder
Salary range: $39,500 - $72,000
Risk Adjustment Coder is a common job search query. Most salaries for Risk Adjustment Coder jobs pay between $39,500 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Risk Adjustment Coder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Certified Radiology Coder
Salary range: $45,500 - $60,500
Certified Radiology Coder is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Certified Radiology Coder jobs pay between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $60,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Certified Radiology Coder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cardiology Coder
Salary range: $37,500 - $50,000
Cardiology coders specialize in the maintenance of records that are related to the treatment of heart conditions. In this role, you identify and record clinical diagnosis codes in patient files, submit documentation to medical insurers, and solicit payment for surgical procedures, treatments, tests, or other medical services. You must maintain an understanding of current policies and procedures that impact government, managed care, and private insurance practices. Depending on your insurer, you may also assist with audits and provide feedback to health care providers to address inaccuracies and potential problems. Other responsibilities include organizing patient files, updating your employer's medical system with patient data, and making recommendations to promote productivity and accuracy in processing claims.
Cca Coder
Salary range: $39,500 - $72,000
Cca Coder is a typical job search query Most salaries for Cca Coder jobs pay between $39,500 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Cca Coder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Certified General Surgery Coder
Salary range: $45,500 - $60,500
Certified General Surgery Coder is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Certified General Surgery Coder jobs pay between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $60,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Certified General Surgery Coder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Certified Cardiology Coder
Salary range: $45,000 - $61,500
Certified Cardiology Coder is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Certified Cardiology Coder jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $61,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Certified Cardiology Coder job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Orthopedic Coder
Salary range: $48,500 - $56,000
Orthopedic coders have similar job duties as other medical coders, but they work specifically with orthopedic surgeons or other orthopedic specialists. As an orthopedic coder, you review physician recommendations for treatments to ensure they are accurate, match the correct billing code to all surgical and non-surgical procedures, and submit the documentation to the insurance company or other departments that require the information. You may also be responsible for ensuring that patient records are current and address any discrepancies you find. Many orthopedic coders start their careers in a general medical practice or facility before moving to a specialty office, such as orthopedics.
Athena Coding
Salary range: $23,500 - $55,500
Athena Coding is a typical job search query Most salaries for Athena Coding jobs pay between $23,500 (25th percentile) and $55,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Athena Coding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Academic Vascular Surgeon
Salary range: $314,000 - $396,000
Remote Academic Vascular Surgeon is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Academic Vascular Surgeon jobs pay between $314,000 (25th percentile) and $396,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Academic Vascular Surgeon job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Medical Coder Government
Salary range: $37,500 - $47,500
Remote Medical Coder Government is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Medical Coder Government jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Remote Medical Coder Government job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

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