Clearly, no conversation about the medical coding job outlook is complete without discussing wages. We are happy to let you know that there's a lot of great news to report concerning the wages of medical coders.

The Department of Labor tracks wages and salaries for a very large number of occupations - this includes medical coding salary and wage information. The last Dept. of Labor data taken suggests that the mean medical coder earns close to $32,000 each year. The important thing to remember here is the term "mean". Undoubtedly there is more to the story.

Here is a 2007 medical coding salary survey taken by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It breaks it down so you can get a better idea about the actual income of medical coders:

Average Medical Coding Industry Annual Salary by Position:

Medical Coding Specialist: $30,000 - $35,000

Medical Coding Professional: $30,000 - $35,000

Medical Coding Manager: $40,000 - $45,000

Medical Billing Manager: $35,000 - $40,000

Medical Coding Audit Specialist: $40,000 - $45,000

Medical Coding Compliance Manager: $55,000 - $60,000

Medical Records Supervisor: $40,000 - $45,000

Administrator: $85,000 +

Here are a few things you need to be aware of in evaluating this salary information.

1. Certified Medical Coders generally earn 17% more than non-certified medical coders, so says the American Academy of Professional Coders wage survey.

2. There's a very solid career path for medical coding professionals. Salary rises with responsibility and advanced certification. According to the AAPC Salary Survey, a complete 8% of medical coders possessing a specialty credential pocketed above $85,000 per year.

3. Determination and experience in this line of work pays off. Medical coders with basic credentials and a year or less of experience make around $25,000 - $30,000 per year. Medical coders with eighteen or more years of experience earn an average of 70% to 80% more: $45,000 - $50,000 each year.