Healthcare facilities and medical billing programs in Utah

Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Utah

Local schools, online options, salary data, and certification guidance for Utah medical billing and coding professionals.

Avg. Salary in UT (AAPC)$63,566
Avg. Hourly Wage$30.56
In-State Programs2
Job Growth (2024-2034)7%
Quick Summary

Medical billing and coding programs in Utah include two IPEDS-listed schools: Western Governors University and Weber State University. Utah coders earn $63,566 on average, above the national BLS median of $50,250. AAPC is headquartered in Salt Lake City, giving Utah professionals direct access to coding industry events. Intermountain Health anchors the state's healthcare employer market.

Average salary: $63,566/yr (AAPC 2023)
2 in-state programs: WGU and Weber State
AAPC headquarters in Salt Lake City
Intermountain Health is the dominant employer
Updated February 2026
Sources: AAPC 2023 Salary Survey, BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, IPEDS 2023-2024
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Utah's medical billing and coding professionals earn $63,566 per year on average, or about $30.56 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).
  • 2.Western Governors University in Salt Lake City offers a competency-based Health Information Management program at $7,710 per year.
  • 3.Weber State University in Ogden offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program at roughly $5,471 per year for in-state students.
  • 4.AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) is headquartered in Salt Lake City, giving Utah residents direct access to industry events and conferences.
  • 5.Certified coders earn 20.7% more than non-certified peers nationally: $66,979 vs. $55,721 (AAPC 2025 Salary Survey).

$63,566

UT Average Salary

2

In-State Programs

7%

Job Growth (2024-2034)

14,200

Annual Openings Nationwide

Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Utah: What You Need to Know

Utah's healthcare sector benefits from a young, growing population and a strong employer base anchored by Intermountain Health, one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the western U.S. The University of Utah Health system and a growing health technology sector along the Wasatch Front add to the demand for medical records specialists.

Utah has a distinct advantage in the medical billing and coding education space: Western Governors University, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is one of the most recognized online providers of health information management education in the country. Weber State University in Ogden rounds out your in-state options. For a broader comparison, see our online programs guide.

$63,566
Average annual salary for medical billing and coding professionals in Utah
That's roughly $30.56 per hour and above the national BLS median of $50,250. Utah's moderate cost of living compared to neighboring California and Colorado gives this salary solid purchasing power.

Source: AAPC 2023 Salary Survey

Training Programs and Schools in Utah

Utah has two IPEDS-listed in-state programs, plus national online providers are available for added flexibility. AAPC and AHIMA also offer direct online coding courses for faster exam preparation. See our online programs guide for a full comparison.

Private non-profit, regionally accredited university known for its competency-based model. You progress at your own pace by demonstrating mastery. HIM program costs roughly $7,710 per year and prepares you for AHIMA credentials including the RHIA.

Key Points

  • $7,710/yr tuition
  • Competency-based learning
  • RHIA preparation

Public university offering a CAHIIM-accredited health information management program. Tuition: roughly $5,471 per year for in-state students. One of the strongest HIM programs in the region.

Key Points

  • $5,471/yr in-state tuition
  • CAHIIM-accredited
  • Online coursework available

Certification Requirements for Utah Coders

Utah doesn't require state licensure for medical billers and coders. Professional certification is the industry standard. The three main entry-level credentials are the CPC from AAPC ($425), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117).

Here's a unique perk for Utah residents: AAPC is headquartered in Salt Lake City. That means you'll have direct access to AAPC events, conferences, and networking opportunities that professionals in other states have to travel for. All exams can be taken remotely or at testing centers. See our certification comparison for details.

$5,471
Annual in-state tuition at Weber State University's CAHIIM-accredited HIM program
Weber State offers one of the most affordable accredited health information management programs in the western U.S., with online coursework available.

Source: IPEDS 2023-2024

Salary and Job Outlook in Utah

Utah's medical billing and coding professionals earn $63,566 per year on average (AAPC 2023). The Salt Lake City metro area, home to Intermountain Health's headquarters, University of Utah Health, and a growing health tech sector, typically offers the highest compensation. The Provo-Orem and Ogden-Clearfield areas also have active healthcare markets.

Certification is your strongest lever for increasing pay. Nationally, certified coders average $66,979, while those with three or more credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). For full salary data, see our salary guide.

Career Opportunities and Employers in Utah

Intermountain Health (Salt Lake City) is the dominant healthcare employer, operating hospitals, clinics, and insurance services across the Intermountain West. University of Utah Health is the state's academic medical center. MountainStar Healthcare (an HCA affiliate) operates several hospitals along the Wasatch Front.

Utah's health technology sector is growing too. Companies in the "Silicon Slopes" corridor (Lehi, Draper, South Jordan) include health IT and revenue cycle management firms that hire coders and billing specialists. Utah's above-average population growth drives additional healthcare demand. See our career entry guide for more.

20.7%
Salary premium for certified coders over non-certified peers
Certified coders earn $66,979 nationally vs. $55,721 for those without credentials. In Utah, proximity to AAPC headquarters makes networking and professional development especially accessible.

Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey

How to Start Your Medical Billing and Coding Career in Utah

1

Choose a training program

Weber State University ($5,471/yr in-state) and WGU ($7,710/yr) are your two in-state options. National online programs are also available. See our online programs guide.

2

Complete your coursework

Certificate programs typically take 4 to 15 months. WGU's competency-based model lets motivated students progress faster. Associate and bachelor's degrees take 2-4 years.

3

Earn your certification

Choose the CPC ($425), CCA ($199-$299), or CBCS (~$117). Take advantage of AAPC's Salt Lake City headquarters for local events and exam prep resources.

4

Apply for positions

Target Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health, and Silicon Slopes health tech companies. Remote positions are also widely available.

5

Add specialty credentials

Professionals with 3+ certifications average $81,227 nationally (AAPC 2025). AAPC offers specialty credentials in areas like risk adjustment and auditing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Angela R.

Angela R.

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | Consultant

Angela worked as a medical billing and coding specialist for multiple chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons. After years in the field, she started her own medical billing and coding consulting company, working with numerous clients throughout Southern California. She brings firsthand industry experience to every article on this site.