Clinical Coder
Translate medical records into the codes used for NHS funding, audits and research.
This UK clinical coder career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Work environment
- Office or remote
- Time to entry
- 6 - 18 months training
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Clinical Coder does
Translate medical records into the codes used for NHS funding, audits and research.
- Inpatient Coding - Code finished consultant episodes for tariffs.
- Outpatient Coding - Coding for outpatient activity and PbR.
- Cancer / Specialty Coding - Specialist coding in cancer registries and tertiary centres.
- Coding Auditor - Audit and train other coders.
How to become a Clinical Coder
- Look up Clinical Coder roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Clinical Coder - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- ICD-10 / OPCS
- Medical terminology
- Attention to detail
- Concentration
- Reporting