What is the Salary for a Certified Dental Billing Specialist and Certified Dental Coder?
Published by the American Dental Coders Association
Introduction
If you’re considering a career in dental billing or dental coding, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much can I earn with certification? Understanding the earning potential for Certified Dental Billing Specialists (CDBS) and Certified Dental Coders (CDC) is crucial for career planning. In this article, we’ll break down average salaries, factors influencing pay, and how certification from the American Dental Coders Association (ADCA) can impact your earning potential.
National Salary Overview
Certified Dental Billing Specialist (CDBS)
- Entry-level (0–2 years): $38,000 – $46,000 annually
- Mid-level (3–5 years): $47,000 – $57,000 annually
- Senior-level (5+ years): $58,000 – $70,000+
Hourly Rate: $18 – $30
Certified Dental Coder (CDC)
- Entry-level: $40,000 – $50,000
- Mid-level: $51,000 – $62,000
- Advanced/Specialist: $65,000 – $80,000+
Hourly Rate: $20 – $35
Salary Influencing Factors
1. Certification
Dental professionals certified through the ADCA are seen as more knowledgeable and accurate. Certified individuals typically earn 10–20% more than non-certified peers.
2. Experience Level
Experience directly impacts salary. Promotions and raises are often tied to years of experience and demonstrated performance.
3. Location
- High-paying states: California, New York, Texas
- Rural areas: Lower wages, but less competition
- Remote positions: Competitive and growing in demand
4. Dental Office Size and Specialties
Large DSOs and specialty practices pay more than solo offices. High-value specialties include oral surgery and prosthodontics.
5. Role Responsibilities
Taking on roles like collections, appeals, or staff training can significantly increase salary potential.
Certification Boost: Real World Example
A dental biller in Arizona making $19/hour without certification completed the CDBS program from ADCA. Within 6 months, they landed a remote role at $25/hour and were later promoted to a billing team lead position earning $62,000/year.
Remote Work Opportunities and Pay
Remote billing and coding jobs are on the rise:
- Remote CDBS roles: $45,000–$65,000/year
- Remote CDC roles: $50,000–$75,000/year
ADCA certification prepares you for HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based claim management and EHR systems.
Job Titles and Career Pathways
Certified professionals may qualify for titles like:
- Dental Billing Specialist
- Insurance Coordinator
- Revenue Cycle Manager
- Claims Analyst
- Dental Coding Auditor
- Billing Team Lead
Industry Demand and Job Security
Dental billing and coding is a recession-resistant profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, related jobs are projected to grow 8% through 2032.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Get Certified through ADCA
- Stay up to date on CDT code changes
- Specialize in complex or surgical services
- Engage with Ask-The-Coder to sharpen your skills
- Explore remote roles in larger markets
Conclusion
A career as a Certified Dental Billing Specialist or Certified Dental Coder offers financial growth and long-term stability. With the right certification from the American Dental Coders Association, you can unlock higher pay and better job opportunities in the dental industry.
Ready to Get Certified?
Join the ADCA Membership community to elevate your dental billing career!
