Mississippi Medical Billing & Coding Salaries 2024: What You’ll Earn in the Healthcare industry
In Mississippi, the demand for skilled medical billing and coding professionals continues to rise as healthcare providers streamline billing processes, improve coding accuracy, and navigate changing payer requirements. if you’re considering a career in medical billing and coding-or you’re already on the path-knowing what to expect for salaries in 2024 can help you plan your education, certifications, and job search. This comprehensive guide breaks down what Mississippi medical billing and coding salaries look like in 2024, the factors that influence earnings, city-specific insights, and practical tips to maximize your income in the healthcare industry.
What is medical billing and coding, and why does it matter for earnings?
Medical billing and coding is the backbone of the revenue cycle in healthcare. Medical coders translate clinical information into standardized codes (for example,ICD-10-CM,CPT,HCPCS) that insurers use to determine reimbursement. Medical billers, on the other hand, handle the administrative side-submitting claims, following up on denials, and ensuring clean claims that get paid promptly. In Mississippi, roles range from entry-level billers and coders to certified professionals who bring advanced expertise to large hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
2024 salary snapshot: What you can expect in Mississippi
Salary ranges in Mississippi reflect several factors, including education, certifications, experiance, facility type, and location. Based on statewide wage data and industry benchmarks for 2024, here are typical annual salary ranges and hourly wages you may encounter in Mississippi:
- Medical Biller (non-certified entry level): roughly $30,000 to $40,000 per year, about $14 to $19 per hour.
- Medical Coder (non-certified or with foundational training): roughly $34,000 to $48,000 per year, about $16 to $23 per hour.
- Certified Medical Coder (e.g., CPC, CCS): roughly $40,000 to $60,000 per year, about $19 to $29 per hour.
- Health Information Technician with RHIA/RHIT or similar credentials: roughly $42,000 to $65,000 per year, about $20 to $31 per hour.
Note: These figures are representative ranges for 2024, reflecting statewide trends in Mississippi. salaries tend to be higher in urban centers, larger hospital systems, and facilities with specialty departments, and they can be higher when you bring in certifications, more experience, or the ability to perform additional responsibilities like auditing, denial management, or data analysis.
Top factors that influence Mississippi medical billing & coding salaries
- Certification and credentials: Certifications such as CPC (Certified Professional Coder), CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), CPB, RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator), or RHIT (Registered health Information Technician) typically boost earnings compared to non-certified roles.
- Experience level: Early-career professionals might sit in the $30k-$45k range, while seasoned coders and billers with in-demand specialties can exceed $60k in some Mississippi facilities.
- Geographic location within Mississippi: Salaries tend to be higher in jackson and Gulfport/Biloxi metro areas compared to some rural parts of the state due to cost of living, patient volume, and employer type.
- Employer type: Hospitals and large clinics often pay more than solo practices or physician offices; academic medical centers and medical billing companies sometimes offer competitive rates plus benefits.
- Remote work possibilities: Some Mississippi healthcare organizations offer remote medical billing and coding roles, which can influence pay scales depending on the company, shift requirements, and contract terms.
Salary by role: What do Mississippi professionals typically earn?
Medical Biller
Typical responsibilities include preparing and submitting claims,tracking reimbursements,and managing accounts receivable. In Mississippi, medical billers commonly earn in the range of $30,000 to $40,000 per year, with top performers in larger facilities reaching into the upper $40s or low $50s, notably if they bring additional skills like denial management or AR aging expertise.
Medical Coder
Medical coders translate patient records into codes used for billing and reporting. Entry-level coders in Mississippi may start around the high $20k to mid-$40k range, while experienced coders with credentials frequently enough earn $45,000 to $60,000. Those who specialize in inpatient coding, surgical coding, or pay-for-performance programs can push toward the upper end of the range.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) / certified Coding Specialist (CCS) / Other Certifications
Certified professionals typically command higher salaries due to coding accuracy, payer rules knowledge, and auditing capabilities. In Mississippi, CPCs and CCSs commonly earn between $50,000 and $60,000, with some senior coders and auditors earning beyond $60,000, particularly in larger health systems or hospitals with high patient volumes and complex coding requirements.
Health Information Technician (RHIA / RHIT)
Advanced credentials like RHIA or RHIT can elevate earning potential,especially in health information management leadership roles,coding audits,or HIM data analytics. Mississippi professionals with these credentials commonly earn roughly $45,000 to $65,000 per year,depending on experience and facility size.
Salary by city and facility: Mississippi landscape at a glance
mississippi exhibits some variation in salaries by city and employer type. The following table provides a compact snapshot of typical annual salary ranges you might expect in major Mississippi cities.All figures are approximate ranges for 2024 and reflect entry-to-mid-career roles with standard qualifications.
| City | Typical Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $38,000 – $56,000 | Urban center with larger hospitals and health systems; higher competition for skilled coders. |
| Gulfport / Biloxi | $36,000 - $53,000 | Coastal metro area with several large clinics and hospital networks. |
| Hattiesburg | $35,000 – $50,000 | Major teaching hospital presence; steady demand for HIM professionals. |
| Meridian | $34,000 – $49,000 | Growing healthcare market with opportunities in clinics and hospitals. |
| Other Mississippi markets | $32,000 – $48,000 | Rural areas often offer competitive benefits; salaries scale with volume and complexity. |
How certifications and education impact earnings
Education and credentials strongly influence how much you can earn in Mississippi’s medical billing and coding field. Here are key considerations:
- Certification pays off: Earning a CPC,CCS,RHIA,or RHIT often correlates with higher starting salaries and faster advancement. Employers value the reliability and standardized knowledge that recognized credentials convey.
- Education level matters: A postsecondary certificate or associate degree in health information management, medical billing, or medical coding can accelerate entry into higher-paying roles compared to purely on-the-job training.
- Specialty coding: Specializing in areas like orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, or surgical coding can command premium rates due to coding complexity and payer rules.
Practical tips to maximize your Mississippi earnings in 2024
- Invest in relevant certifications (CPC, CCS, RHIA/RHIT) to unlock higher salary bands.
- Target larger hospitals, health systems, or clinics with high patient volumes and complex coding needs.
- Consider remote or hybrid roles if offered, which can broaden job options and sometimes provide competitive compensation without geographic constraints.
- Develop additional skills in auditing, denial management, or data analytics to add value beyond standard billing/coding tasks.
- Join professional associations (e.g., AHIMA, AAPC) for networking, continuing education, and salary trend insights that can guide negotiations.
Benefits, career growth, and long-term outlook
Beyond salary, Mississippi medical billing and coding professionals can enjoy several benefits and growth opportunities:
- Strong demand in both urban and rural healthcare settings-roles are essential for reimbursements and compliance.
- Clear path for advancement into HIM leadership, coding audits, or revenue cycle management positions.
- Versatile job options across hospitals, clinics, physicians’ practices, long-term care facilities, and medical billing companies.
- Potential for remote work arrangements, flexible schedules, and continued education that supports salary growth.
Case studies and first-hand experiences
Case study: Jane, Medical Biller in Jackson
Jane began as an entry-level medical biller with a certificate in medical billing. After earning a CPC and gaining experience in a hospital outpatient department, she advanced to a senior billing specialist role. Her salary rose from the mid-$30k range to the upper-$40k range within two years, aided by her ability to handle denials and her contribution to increasing clean-claim rates. Jane also noted that remote billing options in nearby facilities broadened her opportunities while maintaining a favorable work-life balance.
Case study: Carlos,Medical Coder in a Gulfport health system
Carlos started as a coder with an associate degree and pursued CPC and CCS credentials.He focused on surgical coding and inpatient coding, which are more technically demanding. Over three years,his earnings progressed from the mid-$40k range to the low-$60k range,and he expanded his responsibilities to coding audits and education for new staff. His story illustrates how certifications and specialty coding expertise can accelerate salary growth in Mississippi’s healthcare market.
First-hand tips for job seekers and current professionals
If you’re pursuing or advancing a career in Mississippi medical billing and coding, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Build a robust resume that highlights relevant certifications, EMR/EHR systems experience, denial management results, and auditing achievements.
- Network with local AHIMA and AAPC chapters to learn about wage trends and exclusive job opportunities in Mississippi.
- Prepare for salary negotiations by researching local market rates and having concrete examples of your impact on clean claims and revenue cycles.
- Stay current with payer rules (Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurers) and coding updates to maintain accuracy, which can support higher compensation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- What is the starting salary for a medical biller in Mississippi in 2024?
- Typically around $30,000 to $40,000 per year for entry-level roles,depending on education,employer,and location.
- Do Mississippi medical coders earn more with certification?
- Yes.Certifications such as CPC or CCS generally lead to higher salaries and more advancement opportunities compared to non-certified roles.
- is remote medical billing coding common in Mississippi?
- remote roles exist in some organizations, especially with larger health systems or billing companies, and can affect earning potential based on the employer’s policies and requirements.
- which factors most influence salary in Mississippi?
- Certification,experience,employer type,city,and the level of duty (e.g., auditing, compliance, data analytics) are key influences.
Conclusion: Where Mississippi medical billing & coding salaries stand in 2024
Mississippi offers a solid pathway for healthcare professionals dedicated to medical billing and coding. With the right mix of education, certifications, and strategic job choices-especially in larger facilities or with specialized coding expertise-earnings in 2024 can reach meaningful levels within the Mississippi market. Certification acts as a catalyst for higher pay and faster advancement, while experience and performance in revenue cycle activities-such as denial management, auditing, and productivity improvements-can push salaries upward. Additionally, salary growth is supported by the state’s ongoing healthcare demand, the expanding adoption of electronic health records, and the emphasis on coding accuracy to optimize reimbursements. If you’re ready to invest in your credentials and seek opportunities in Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, or Meridian, you’ll find a healthcare ecosystem that rewards skill, reliability, and continuous learning.
whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a leadership role in Mississippi’s medical billing and coding field, staying informed about salary trends, pursuing relevant credentials, and actively building your skill set will help you maximize your earnings in 2024 and beyond. Your journey in the healthcare industry begins with a plan-and with the right certifications and experience, Mississippi can be a rewarding place to grow a long-term career in medical billing and coding.
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