How Much Does a CPC Make? (2025)
With the U.S. BLS reporting a -10% job outlook for the years of 2023 to 2033, the role of a CPC is seeing a rapid decline over the next decade. Salary.com's Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report also shows fewer job postings for the same role, further corroborating the government's data.
Salary.com has also reported that the average CPC salary is $66,306 per year in the United States as of August 22, 2025. Read this salary guide to get a more comprehensive overview of CPCs, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations.
What Does a CPC Do?
A certified professional coder (CPC) is responsible for compiling, processing, and maintaining patient records to ensure that the hospital can run smoothly. They also help in properly storing patient data and use software to assign patients with their corresponding treatment.
Per Salary.com's data, most CPCs possess a high school diploma. However, it should still be noted that some have an associate's or even a bachelor's degree.
What is a CPC's Salary Overview?
The average salary for CPCs in the United States in 2025 is $66,306 per year or $32 per hour, as of August 22, 2025.
Based on Salary.com salary data, the average salary for a CPC is between $56,334 to $96,453 per year, with most CPC salaries averaging from $52,169 and $81,016. The CPC's salary per month is $1,275.
The salary for a CPC is an average of $32 per hour, with an hourly CPC salary ranging from $25 to $39. The average weekly CPC salary is $1,275, with weekly pay ranging from $1,003 to $1,5585.
2025 CPC Average Salary: $66,306 per year ($32 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median CPC salary is $150,501 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,478 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,306 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $63,806 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,006 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,382 |
On the other hand, the overall CPC salary in the US is $118,336, according to Salary.com. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($6,056), time off ($7,853), and Social Security ($4,881), which make up 21% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $66,306 | 74.00% |
| Bonus | - $2,500 | -2.80% |
| Median | % of Total | |
| Social Security | $4,881 | 5.40% |
| 401K/403B | $2,999 | 3.30% |
| Disability | $510 | 0.60% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 6.80% |
| Pension | $3,509 | 3.90% |
| Time Off | $7,853 | 8.80% |
What Can Affect a CPC's Salary?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence the salary of a CPC. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Salary.com data shows that an entry-level CPC salary, or those who have just joined their organization within the year, is $63,976. Those with more than 8 years of experience are considered experts, and the salary of a CPC at that level is $70,428.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CPC | $63,976 |
| Intermediate Level CPC | $64,528 |
| Senior Level CPC | $66,981 |
| Specialist Level CPC | $70,199 |
| Expert Level CPC | $70,428 |
By Geographic Location
The salary for CPCs in the United States varies by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the highest paying cities, San Francisco, California has an average salary for CPCs of $82,806, while Dallas, TX, and Miami, FL, reflect lower average salaries for CPCs at $65,506 and $63,706 respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $73,506 | $82,806 | $92,506 |
| Washington, D.C. | $65,206 | $73,406 | $82,006 |
| Miami, Florida | $56,606 | $63,706 | $71,106 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $60,806 | $68,506 | $76,506 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $65,606 | $73,906 | $82,606 |
| New York, New York | $68,206 | $76,806 | $85,806 |
| Dallas, Texas | $58,106 | $65,506 | $73,106 |
By Skills
Most CPCs start at a similar baseline level since there are no specific college degrees required before applying for the role. However, The Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report has suggested that having medical information coding skills and health information concepts and terminology knowledge can boost the salary of a CPC by 9.08% and 8.25%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Information Coding | 10.00% | 9.08% |
| Health Information Concepts and Terminology | 10.00% | 8.25% |
| Quality Improvement | 10.00% | 8.19% |
| Billing | 10.00% | 7.76% |
| Health Information Documentation | 10.00% | 7.41% |
| Healthcare Industry | 10.00% | 6.61% |
By Education
Since an individual is required to have a communications degree, the vast majority of CPCs have a high school diploma. However, associate and bachelor's degree holders are also present within the workforce.
| Degree Level | % of Users with this Level of Education |
|---|---|
| High School | 54.10% |
| Associate's Degree | 33.70% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 10.80% |
How to Become a CPC
To become a fully-fledged CPC, consider following these steps:
- Acquire a high school diploma: Although the U.S. BLS data suggests a lower employment trend for CPCs, the market is still relatively competitive. Thus, high school graduates with a solid foundation of coding are welcome to apply for the role.
- Gain relevant experience: Most CPCs are required to have a week or two of on-the-job training beforehand to help them with gaining experience. This can help provide them with the basic to complex coding skills needed for the role, as well as basic training in medical billing and coding, although the experience needed may vary depending on the employer type.
- Acquire the needed qualities: On top of the skills mentioned above, CPCs should also be detail-oriented and have a good eye for mistakes. Some may even take the AAPC certification exam to learn more skills that they need to succeed in their career.
What are FAQs about CPC?
Here are some common questions about a CPC's salary:
How much does a CPC earn on average?
As of August 22, 2025, Salary.com reports that the salary for a CPC is $66,306 per year, or $32 per hour. This means that coders with certification earn approximately $1,275 monthly. The highest salary for a CPC is $70,428 for an expert level CPC, while specialist level CPCs can expect to earn $70,199.
Are there shortages in CPCs in the U.S.?
Yes, there is a shortage of CPC job titles in the United States, as suggested by both Salary.com's data and U.S. BLS' job outlook. This is primarily due to the current complexity of coding programs and the increase in demand within the healthcare industry. However, this means better income potential for CPCs moving forward, especially after gaining experience. It's also important to consider that the role may work remotely, depending on if the CPC works in a hospital or in a long-term care facility.
What does a CPC do?
A CPC's main responsibilities can be defined as follows:
- Cooperate with medical records specialists and physicians to help sort medical data.
- Provide help with medical coding needs.
- Follow hospital compliance and ensure doctor-patient confidentiality.
- Work with other coding staff to ensure a seamless operation.
