Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Mississippi

If you're exploring medical billing and coding programs in Mississippi, you'll find one of the most affordable entry points in the country. According to AAPC state data, professionals here earn an average of $50,393 per year ($24.23/hour). While that's near the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072), Mississippi's cost of living is among the lowest in the country, which stretches each dollar further.

The state's healthcare sector serves a population with significant healthcare needs. Mississippi has one of the highest rates of chronic disease in the nation, which drives demand for healthcare services and the coding and billing professionals who process those claims. Major employers include the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Singing River Health System, and Memorial Hospital at Gulfport.

East Mississippi Community College in Scooba offers billing and coding training at roughly $3,500/yr with online availability. As part of the Mississippi community college system, EMCC holds regional accreditation and is one of the most affordable entry points into the field anywhere in the country.

You also have access to national online programs. 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. For students who qualify for Mississippi financial aid or Pell Grants, out-of-pocket costs may be even lower. See our cost guide for more details.

Certification makes an outsized difference in Mississippi, where the gap between certified and non-certified pay represents a meaningful increase in purchasing power. Nationally, certified professionals average $66,979 compared to $55,721 for non-certified workers (AAPC 2025). In a low-cost state like Mississippi, that $11,000+ annual premium translates to a significant lifestyle improvement.

The CPC from AAPC ($425) is the most widely recognized credential. The CCA from AHIMA ($199/$299) is valued in hospital settings. The CBCS from NHA (~$117) covers both billing and coding at the lowest exam cost, making it a practical starting point for Mississippi residents. See our certifications comparison for details.

Mississippi's average of $50,393/yr is near the national median, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Mississippi consistently ranks as one of the three most affordable states in the country. Housing costs run roughly 40-50% below the national average. A $50,393 salary here offers purchasing power comparable to a meaningfully higher salary in a coastal market.

Remote work creates additional opportunity. AAPC reports 64.8% of medical coders work remotely, and remote coders average roughly $54,784 nationally. Mississippi residents who secure remote positions with out-of-state employers can earn above the state average while keeping their cost of living low. See our salary guide for comprehensive data.

Mississippi's healthcare sector is driven by the state's significant healthcare needs. High rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity translate to high healthcare utilization and a large volume of claims that need coding and billing. Major employers include UMMC (the state's only academic medical center), Baptist Memorial Health Care, Singing River Health System, Forrest General Hospital, and North Mississippi Health Services.

The BLS projects 7% national growth for medical records specialists from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,200 annual openings. Mississippi's aging population and persistent healthcare demand should sustain local hiring. Remote work gives you access to employers in higher-paying markets too. For more on career paths, see our step-by-step guide.