Medical billing and coding programs in Wisconsin include Herzing University in Madison and health information coursework through the state's 16 technical colleges. Wisconsin coders earn $67,132 on average, well above the national median. AHIMA is headquartered just 90 miles away in Chicago, giving Wisconsin professionals easy access to industry events. The state's dense healthcare employer base spans Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and rural communities.
- 1.Wisconsin's medical billing and coding professionals earn $67,132 per year on average, or about $32.27 per hour (AAPC 2023 Salary Survey).
- 2.Herzing University in Madison offers a dedicated MBC program at roughly $12,360 per year with online options.
- 3.Wisconsin's Technical College System (WTCS) includes 16 colleges offering allied health and health information coursework.
- 4.AHIMA is headquartered in Chicago, roughly 90 miles from Milwaukee, giving Wisconsin residents convenient access to industry conferences and events.
- 5.Certified coders earn 20.7% more than non-certified peers nationally: $66,979 vs. $55,721 (AAPC 2025 Salary Survey).
$67,132
WI Average Salary
1+
In-State Programs
7%
Job Growth (2024-2034)
14,200
Annual Openings Nationwide
Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know
Wisconsin's healthcare sector is among the strongest in the Midwest, with major health systems, a renowned technical college system, and employers distributed across both metro and rural areas. Milwaukee is the largest market, but Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, and rural communities throughout the state all have active healthcare employers.
Wisconsin residents can train through Herzing University's in-state program, the state's extensive Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) for foundational health coursework, and national online programs for specialized billing and coding training.
Source: AAPC 2023 Salary Survey
Training Programs and Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has one IPEDS-listed school with a dedicated MBC program, plus the technical college system and national online options. See our online programs guide for a full comparison of online providers including Ultimate Medical Academy, WGU ($7,710/yr), Penn Foster (from $1,049), and Purdue University Global ($10,080/yr).
Private non-profit institution with medical billing and coding certificate and degree programs. Available online and includes preparation for AAPC and AHIMA certification exams. Also has campuses in Milwaukee and Kenosha. Tuition: roughly $12,360 per year.
Key Points
- $12,360/yr tuition
- Online and campus options
- Cert exam prep included
16 colleges across the state offering allied health and health information technology coursework. Several offer health information associate degrees or related courses that build toward certification eligibility.
Key Points
- 16 colleges statewide
- Allied health coursework
- Affordable public tuition
Certification Requirements for Wisconsin Coders
Wisconsin doesn't require state licensure for medical billers and coders. Professional certification is the industry standard. Your three main options are the CPC from AAPC ($425), the CCA from AHIMA ($199-$299), and the CBCS from NHA (~$117).
Wisconsin's proximity to AHIMA headquarters in Chicago (about 90 miles from Milwaukee) provides convenient access to AHIMA conferences, workshops, and networking events. All exams can be taken remotely or at testing centers. See our certification comparison for details.
Source: AHIMA
Salary and Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's medical billing and coding professionals earn $67,132 per year on average (AAPC 2023). The Milwaukee metro area has the highest concentration of healthcare employers and typically offers compensation at or above the state average. Madison, with UW Health and a growing tech sector, is also competitive. Green Bay and Appleton (Fox Valley) have active healthcare markets driven by regional systems.
Wisconsin's moderate cost of living makes these salaries particularly valuable. Nationally, those with three or more credentials average $81,227 (AAPC 2025). For full salary data, see our salary guide.
Career Opportunities and Employers in Wisconsin
Advocate Health (formerly Advocate Aurora Health, headquartered in Milwaukee) is one of the largest health systems in the Midwest. Marshfield Clinic Health System is a major multispecialty group in central Wisconsin. UW Health (Madison) is the state's academic medical center. Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin operates hospitals in Milwaukee.
Ascension Wisconsin, Bellin Health (Green Bay), ThedaCare (Appleton/Fox Valley), and Gundersen Health System (La Crosse) are additional major employers. The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee employs federal medical records specialists. Wisconsin ranks among the top nationally for hospitals per capita. See our career entry guide.
Source: AAPC 2025 Salary Survey
How to Start Your Medical Billing and Coding Career in Wisconsin
Choose a training program
Herzing University (~$12,360/yr) offers a dedicated in-state program. WTCS colleges provide allied health foundations. National online programs start as low as $1,049. See our online programs guide.
Complete your coursework
Certificate programs typically take 4 to 15 months. Associate degrees take about 2 years. Self-paced online options let you finish faster.
Earn your certification
Choose the CPC ($425), CCA ($199-$299), or CBCS (~$117). Take advantage of AHIMA's nearby Chicago headquarters for events and networking.
Target Wisconsin's healthcare hubs
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Appleton have the most employers. Remote positions are also widely available for certified coders.
Build advanced credentials
Professionals with 3+ certifications average $81,227 nationally (AAPC 2025). Wisconsin's healthcare density means lots of opportunities for specialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.