Medical billing and coding programs in Washington State include at least four IPEDS-listed schools with tuition starting at $3,195 per year. Washington coders earn $73,341 on average, placing the state among the highest-paying in the nation. There's no state income tax, which boosts take-home pay even further. Major employers like Providence, MultiCare, and UW Medicine create a deep job market along the I-5 corridor.
- 1.Washington's medical billing and coding professionals earn $73,341 per year on average, or about $35.26 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey), among the highest in the nation.
- 2.At least four IPEDS-listed schools offer MBC programs, including affordable community college options with tuition starting around $3,195 per year.
- 3.The University of Washington in Seattle offers a health information management pathway at $11,524 per year for in-state students.
- 4.Washington has no state income tax, making its already-high salaries even more valuable in take-home terms.
- 5.The BLS projects 7% job growth for medical records specialists through 2034, and Washington's growing population drives above-average demand.
$73,341
WA Average Salary
4+
In-State Programs
7%
Job Growth (2024-2034)
0%
State Income Tax
Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Washington: What You Need to Know
Washington State has a large, well-funded healthcare sector concentrated along the I-5 corridor from Seattle-Tacoma through Olympia. The Seattle metro area houses multiple major health systems, research institutions, and health technology companies. Eastern Washington, centered on Spokane, has its own growing healthcare market.
Washington residents have access to multiple in-state training programs, including affordable community colleges in Spokane, Everett, and Tacoma, along with the University of Washington. National online programs provide additional flexibility for students anywhere in the state.
Source: AAPC 2023 Salary Survey
Training Programs and Schools in Washington
Washington has several IPEDS-listed schools offering medical billing and coding training across the state. National online providers like Ultimate Medical Academy, WGU ($7,710/yr), Penn Foster (from $1,049), and Purdue University Global ($10,080/yr) also accept Washington students. See our online programs guide for a full comparison.
Public community college serving eastern Washington. Offers certificate and associate degree tracks with online coursework available. Tuition: roughly $3,195 per year.
Key Points
- $3,195/yr tuition
- Eastern WA location
- Online options available
Public community college north of Seattle with medical billing and coding training options. Tuition: roughly $4,046 per year.
Key Points
- $4,046/yr tuition
- North of Seattle
- Online options available
Public community college in the South Sound region offering MBC training. Tuition: roughly $4,477 per year.
Key Points
- $4,477/yr tuition
- South Sound location
- Online options available
The state's flagship public university with a health information management and informatics pathway. Tuition: roughly $11,524 per year for in-state students. Best for bachelor's-level credentials or management roles.
Key Points
- $11,524/yr in-state tuition
- Bachelor's pathway
- Flagship university
Certification Requirements for Washington Coders
Washington doesn't require state licensure for medical billers and coders. Professional certification is the hiring standard. The three main entry-level credentials are the CPC from AAPC ($425, most widely recognized), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117).
AAPC has active chapters in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. All three exams can be taken remotely or at Pearson VUE testing centers across Washington. See our certification comparison for detailed breakdowns.
Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey
Salary and Job Outlook in Washington
Washington's medical billing and coding professionals earn $73,341 per year on average (AAPC 2023). The Seattle-Tacoma metro area offers the highest compensation, driven by a high cost of living and competition among major health systems. Spokane and other eastern Washington markets pay less in absolute terms, but the lower cost of living provides strong relative value.
Washington has no state income tax, which adds 5-10% to your effective take-home pay compared to most other states. Nationally, certified coders average $66,979, and those with three or more credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). For full salary data, see our salary guide.
Career Opportunities and Employers in Washington
Providence is one of the largest health systems in the western U.S., with multiple hospitals and clinics across Washington. MultiCare Health System (Tacoma) operates hospitals in the South Sound and eastern Washington. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health serves the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. UW Medicine is the state's premier academic health system.
In eastern Washington, Providence Sacred Heart and MultiCare Deaconess are the largest Spokane-area employers. PeaceHealth operates in Vancouver/Southwest Washington. Kaiser Permanente Washington adds managed care employment across the Puget Sound. Health insurers like Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield also hire billing and coding professionals.
Source: IPEDS 2023-2024
How to Start Your Medical Billing and Coding Career in Washington
Choose a training program
Pick an in-state community college (tuition from $3,195/yr) or UW ($11,524/yr for bachelor's). National online programs are also available. See our online programs guide.
Complete your coursework
Certificate programs typically take 4 to 15 months. Associate degrees take about 2 years. UW's bachelor's pathway is 4 years.
Earn your certification
Choose the CPC ($425), CCA ($199-$299), or CBCS (~$117). All can be taken remotely or at Washington testing centers. See our certification comparison.
Target Washington's healthcare hubs
The Seattle-Tacoma metro has the highest concentration of employers. Spokane is a growing market. Remote positions let you access the full national job market.
Stack additional credentials
Coders with 3+ certifications average $81,227 nationally (AAPC 2025). Combined with Washington's 0% income tax and high baseline salaries, that's exceptional take-home pay.
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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.