Medical Billing vs. Coding: What's the Difference?
Updated by: Michael Eugene | April 2026
Medical billing and medical coding get lumped together so often that many people assume they’re the same job. But they’re not – billers and coders handle different steps of the healthcare revenue cycle and use different skill sets. They also often earn different salaries. If you’re considering a role in either field, knowing where the two roles diverge can help you figure out which one fits you better before you start training.
What do Medical Billers and Coders Do?
Both medical billers and medical coders play an essential role in getting healthcare providers paid, but they sit on opposite sides of the medical claims process.
Medical Billing
Medical billers use the codes that medical coders assign to create a claim and then send the claim to the patient’s insurance provider. Billers follow up with insurance companies on claim denials and rejections. They also finalize all details and send out final statements for remaining balances to the patient, making sure the provider actually gets paid.
Medical Coding
Medical coders work on the clinical side, translating medical information gathered from the patient visit. This information can include procedure notes, treatment given, lab results, diagnosis, and other documentation. They then translate all that information into standard alphanumeric codes that are sent to the medical biller to be made into a medical claim. Accuracy matters here, as incorrect codes can lead to denied claims and compliance issues.
Which Role Fits Your Working Style?
While both roles require attention to detail and strong organizational skills, the day-to-day experience is quite different.
Medical Billing
Medical billers spend a good chunk of their time on the phone or emailing, communicating with insurance providers to make sure that medical claims are paid. They also need to be comfortable speaking with patients about issues that may come up with their medical claims. If you’re an outgoing person who is comfortable navigating conversations about topics like claim denials or payment plans, billing may be a natural fit.
Medical Coding
Medical coders tend to work more independently, reviewing charts and assigning codes without much back-and-forth. There are occasional phone calls or emails, but communication is less frequent than with medical billing. If you’re more analytical, enjoy problem solving, and prefer solo work, coding is worth a closer look.
Combining both roles
If both roles sound like a good fit for you, there’s good news. Some healthcare organizations combine these two roles into one. You may want to investigate programs that provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for both roles. Pursuing a certificate for medical billing and coding can make you a more attractive candidate to employers that unify these two distinctive jobs into one position.
Education & Certification for Medical Billing and Coding
Neither medical billing nor medical coding requires a four-year degree. Most employers look for a postsecondary certificate and a professional certification.
U.S. Career Institute’s Medical Coding and Billing certificate program covers both specialties and can be completed in as few as 5 months. The program is entirely online, self-paced, and includes the cost of your Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) or Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) certification exam, study guide, and practice test as part of your tuition. Topics covered in the program include:
- How the human body works
- Medical terminology and pronunciations
- How medical procedures and diagnoses are coded
- How to work like a medical a medical professional
- Coding software
- Health insurance
- Medical records
- Payment methodologies
It’s safe to say, your training will leave you well-versed and knowledgeable as a medical coder and biller.
Whether you wish to pursue a career as a medical coder, medical biller, or a medical coding and billing specialist, there is a training program designed to meet your career goals. U.S. Career Institute, for example, offers flexible certificate program options for students looking to enter one (or both) of these fields: medical coding, medical billing, and a combination of medical coding and billing.
For coding, the two most recognized credentials are the CPC-A from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the CBCS from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). For billing, the CBCS also applies. Many training programs prepare you for both billing and coding certifications at the same time.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary Comparison
The salary for both roles will vary based on a variety of factors, including:
- Level of education and training
- Professional certification
- Geographic location
- Facility type (e.g., hospital, physician office, clinic)
- Experience level
Based on recent federal data, here’s how salaries for the two roles compare:
Medical Billing
As of May 2024, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $48,650 for financial clerks (the occupational category that includes medical billing clerks). Specifically for healthcare facing roles, the median annual salary for clerks serving insurance carriers was $49,020, while the median for healthcare was $46,990.
Medical Coding
Medical records specialists (the BLS category for medical coders) earned a median annual salary of $50,250 as of May 2024, according to BLS research. That’s just the median, however – at the high end, the highest 10% of medical records specialists earn more than $80,950.
According to the AAPC’s 2026 Annual Salary Survey, the average annual salary for individuals with professional certification are outlined below:
- Certified Professional Coders (CPC): $67,147
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC): $76,354
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC): $75,786
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC): $74,629
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB): $63,874
How Do You Get Started in Medical Billing and Coding?
Smaller practices typically hire one person to handle both billing and coding, while larger healthcare organizations may split them into separate positions. You don’t have to choose one or the other upfront. Training in both gives you a wider range of job options and lets you discover which side of the work suits you.
U.S. Career Institute’s Medical Coding and Billing certificate program will equip you with the knowledge you need to start your career journey. The program is 100% online, self-paced, and can be completed in as few as 5 months.
If you’re ready to get started as a medical coding or billing specialist (or potentially both) check out one of our certificate programs: