Dental Billing and Coding Salaries in 2025: What You Can Expect
Published by the American Dental Coders Association
Dental billing and coding has evolved into a high-demand career offering flexibility, professional growth, and competitive salaries. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your position, understanding current salary trends is essential for setting your expectations and goals.
In this post, we’ll break down the average salaries for dental billers and coders in 2025, factors that influence pay, how certification impacts earning potential, and tips for maximizing your income in this rewarding field.
Average Salaries for Dental Billers and Coders in 2025
While salaries vary by location, experience, and certification, national averages show that dental billing and coding remains a financially stable and growing career choice.
Entry-Level Positions
- Hourly Rate: $18–$25 per hour
- Annual Salary: $37,000–$52,000
Mid-Level Professionals (3–5 years of experience)
- Hourly Rate: $26–$34 per hour
- Annual Salary: $54,000–$70,000
Experienced and Certified Specialists
- Hourly Rate: $35–$50 per hour
- Annual Salary: $72,000–$100,000+
Factors That Influence Dental Billing and Coding Salaries
- Certification Status: Certified professionals earn significantly more.
- Experience: More experience leads to higher salaries.
- Geographic Location: High cost-of-living areas often pay more.
- Remote Work Opportunities: Freelancers can command premium rates.
- Employer Type: Larger organizations typically pay higher rates.
- Cross-Specialty Skills: Cross-coders are highly sought after.
Impact of Certification on Salary
| Level | Without Certification | With Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $18–$22 per hour | $22–$28 per hour |
| Mid-Level | $23–$29 per hour | $30–$38 per hour |
| Senior-Level | $30–$40 per hour | $40–$50+ per hour |
Employers recognize certification from trusted organizations like the American Dental Coders Association (ADCA) as a mark of expertise, reliability, and professionalism.
Already experienced? Validate your skills with:
Specialty Areas That Command Higher Salaries
- Cross-Coding (Medical/Dental billing)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Billing
- Sleep Apnea and TMD Billing
- Implant and Prosthodontic Billing
- Teledentistry Billing
- Billing Audit and Compliance Review
Tips for Increasing Your Dental Billing and Coding Salary
- Earn certification through ADCA.
- Stay current on coding updates.
- Develop specialty billing expertise.
- Negotiate wisely based on skills and certifications.
- Explore freelance or contract opportunities.
- Continue your education and professional development.
Conclusion
Dental billing and coding offers a stable, flexible, and lucrative career path — especially as the dental industry continues to expand in 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to advance to a senior position, certification and specialized skills can unlock higher salaries and greater career satisfaction.
Ready to increase your income and expand your career opportunities? Start your journey today with the American Dental Coders Association — the nation’s leader in dental billing and coding education and certification!
