How much does a medical coding specialist make?

Depends on what state you live in, and how much education you have. If you have completed schooling and received your AAS degree in Registered Health Information Technology, (RHIT) you can go to the state level and take your (RHIT) exam, once you pass this you can do anything in this field, and its recognized internationally.

I have not taken my RHIT exam, but I am working as a coder. I graduated in May of 2010 with my degree. I work for a hospital in southern Missouri and am making $11.06/hr to start. If I pass my RHIT, I will receive a raise of $1.00/hr. If I go for my coding degree (CCS) I will receive another $1.00.Hr from this hospital.

RHIT schooling does encompass coding, but if you want to specialize in it solely, take the test in CCS - Certified Coding Specialist.