Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Massachusetts

If you're looking at medical billing and coding programs in Massachusetts, you'll find one of the strongest salary markets in the country. According to AAPC state data, professionals here average $76,483 per year ($36.77/hour), which is roughly 52% above the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072).

That salary premium reflects the Greater Boston healthcare landscape. Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Children's Hospital all generate complex coding workloads that include inpatient facility coding, research billing, and multi-payer claims processing.

Beyond hospitals, the state hosts major health insurance companies and third-party billing operations. The combination of high healthcare density and elevated cost of living pushes salaries upward. For a broader look at how state salaries compare, check out our national salary guide.

Massachusetts doesn't currently have campus-based programs in IPEDS data specifically for medical billing and coding certificates or associate degrees. That makes accredited online programs the primary training path for Bay State residents.

Several established online providers serve Massachusetts students. Ultimate Medical Academy (Clearwater, FL) runs one of the largest medical billing and coding programs in the country by completions. Western Governors University offers a competency-based Health Information Management degree at $7,710/yr, letting you accelerate through material you already know.

Penn Foster provides a self-paced certificate starting at $1,049 to $1,869, one of the most affordable options available. Purdue University Global offers an online associate degree at about $10,080/yr. All hold accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For detailed cost breakdowns, see our training cost guide.

Certification isn't legally required in Massachusetts, but it's a practical necessity. Most employers list a coding credential as a preferred or required qualification. The salary premium for certified professionals is substantial: AAPC's 2025 survey reports that certified members average $66,979 nationally, compared to $55,721 for non-certified workers.

Three entry-level certifications dominate the field. The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC is the most widely recognized credential ($425 for one attempt, $499 for two). The CCA (Certified Coding Associate) from AHIMA is an entry-level alternative at $199/$299. The CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) from NHA covers both billing and coding at about $117.

AAPC has an active local chapter in the Boston area that provides networking, continuing education events, and exam prep support. For a full comparison of all credentials, see our certifications comparison.

Massachusetts medical billing and coding professionals earn among the highest salaries in the country. The state average of $76,483/yr from AAPC data reflects a high-cost labor market combined with concentrated healthcare employer demand in the Boston metro area.

Even after adjusting for the state's higher cost of living, the salary premium remains significant. The BLS reports that the top 10% of medical records specialists nationally earn above $80,950, a level that experienced, multi-certified professionals in Massachusetts can reach. Nationally, AAPC members with 3+ credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). For a full salary breakdown, see our salary guide.

Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of hospitals and healthcare facilities per capita in the country. Major employers include Mass General Brigham (formerly Partners HealthCare), Beth Israel Lahey Health, Baystate Health, and UMass Memorial Health, plus insurance carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Tufts Health Plan.

Remote work has expanded your options even further. AAPC reports that 64.8% of medical coders work remotely, meaning you can also access coding positions at employers based in other states. Holding a recognized certification and gaining specialty experience in risk adjustment, compliance auditing, or surgical coding are the most effective ways to stand out. For more on career paths, see our step-by-step guide.