Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Minnesota

If you're researching medical billing and coding programs in Minnesota, you're looking at one of the stronger states for this career. Professionals here average $69,585 per year ($33.45/hour) according to AAPC state data, about 38% above the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072).

Minnesota's healthcare landscape is anchored by world-class institutions. Mayo Clinic in Rochester is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country. UnitedHealth Group, based in Minnetonka, is the largest health insurance company in the United States. Additional major employers include Allina Health, Fairview Health Services, HealthPartners, and Hennepin Healthcare.

The Twin Cities metro area concentrates much of this employment, though regional systems serve communities across the state. For a broader look at the field, see our national salary guide.

Minnesota has two in-state institutions with medical billing and coding programs. St. Cloud Technical and Community College offers training at about $4,433/yr with online availability, providing an affordable, regionally accredited path. The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program at about $39,530/yr, preparing you for both coding credentials and advanced certifications like RHIT and RHIA.

National online programs are also available at lower price points. Penn Foster offers certificates from $1,049 to $1,869. Western Governors University provides a competency-based degree at $7,710/yr. Purdue University Global offers an associate degree at about $10,080/yr. See our cost guide for comparisons.

Minnesota employers strongly favor certified candidates. Major systems like Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group typically require at least one recognized coding credential. AAPC's 2025 survey shows certified members earn $66,979 on average nationally, compared to $55,721 for non-certified workers.

The CPC from AAPC ($425 exam fee) is the most widely recognized. The CCA from AHIMA ($199 for members) is valued in hospital settings. The CBCS from NHA (~$117) covers both billing and coding at the lowest exam cost. If you're pursuing the CAHIIM-accredited path through Saint Scholastica, AHIMA credentials (CCA, CCS, RHIT) may align better with your long-term goals. See our certifications comparison.

Minnesota's average of $69,585/yr places the state well above the national median. The Twin Cities metro area (Minneapolis-St. Paul) concentrates the highest-paying positions, driven by UnitedHealth Group, Allina Health, and Fairview Health Services. Rochester benefits from Mayo Clinic's presence.

Salaries in rural areas tend to be lower, though remote work options have narrowed geographic pay gaps. AAPC reports 64.8% of coders work remotely. For detailed breakdowns by certification, experience, and industry, see our salary guide.

Minnesota's healthcare sector is one of the most robust in the Midwest. Mayo Clinic employs over 70,000 people across its system, and UnitedHealth Group is the nation's largest health insurer. Both maintain substantial coding and billing operations. The Twin Cities also supports Allina Health, HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare, and M Health Fairview.

The insurance sector adds further demand through companies like Medica and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. The BLS projects 7% growth nationally for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034. Remote work opportunities (64.8% of coders per AAPC) provide additional flexibility. For more on career paths, see our step-by-step guide.