...And what you can do to make sure you land them

Medical billers can gain access to these highly lucrative industries by getting detailed career info from schools in their area.

What if you could have the same comfortable job as other medical billers and coders, but earn nearly twice as much?

By getting medical billing & coding training in the right areas, a medical biller can earn up to 80% more per year than the average medical billing specialist -- a whopping pay increase that competes with some of the highest-paid nurses. All you need is the right medical billing training.

Here are some lesser-known fields where medical billers and coders can earn much more sizeable incomes.

Scientific Research and Development

The research that goes into vaccines, drugs and other medicines makes up a central pillar for all other sectors of the healthcare industry, so research employers can pay much higher medical billing salaries than most healthcare providers. R&D medical coders have the same basic job description as other medical billers and coders, but are trained in subjects related to life sciences. Schools are often enrolling nationwide year-round.

Average Salary: $42,000 Annually

Salary Comparison: 27% Higher Than Average

Training required: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Professional Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare organizations may do anything from statistical research to setting the training standards for healthcare professionals. These positions are typically overlooked by graduates of medical billing and coding programs, as most head straight for lower-paying hospital and clinical employment without a second glance.

Average Salary: $45,000 Annually

Salary Comparison: 32% Higher Than Average

Training required: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

This is by far the highest-paying field for medical billing and coding professionals. Pharmaceutical companies produce the nation's supply of medications and other life-saving products, and their medical coders can earn more than some RNs make. Many of these coding professionals train in biological sciences such as biochemistry and molecular biology is helpful in gaining employment. Students looking to join this lucrative field should seek guidance from local school advisors.

Average Salary: $61,000 Annually

Salary Comparison: 80% Higher Than Average

Training required: Bachelor's Degree

By seeking specialized training at junior colleges and career institutes in your area, you can locate medical billing programs that will prepare you for employment in these lucrative fields. Getting advice on the right program is the best way to enter a medical billing career that pays an out-of-the-ballpark salary.