Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $21.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Des Moines, IA runs $21.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,650 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, medical coders can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.35, which surpasses the national median of $20.13. This favorable compensation allows for attractive opportunities for part-time workers or per-diem medical coders, particularly in clinical settings where flexibility is required. For those entering the field, hourly wages start at $16.72, while experienced coders can earn as much as $27.77 per hour, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and responsibility in healthcare settings. The above figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and provide a solid foundation for assessing the financial prospects for medical coders in Des Moines.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.72 | $133.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.92 | $151.35 |
| Median (P50) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.53 | $204.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.77 | $222.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $21.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.35/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $44,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,625. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $854.17 | $3,701 | $44,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $512.50 | $2,221 | $26,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.67 | $1,481 | $17,767 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Des Moines) | $21.35 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Coders in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $44,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 9.20% above the Iowa state average of $40,681.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.35/hr = $26,650/year (purchasing power: $29,062).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,417/year (purchasing power: $48,436).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.35/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+15.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Des Moines grew 10.0% from $18.98/hr (2021) to $20.87/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.85/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Coder in Des Moines
Looking specifically at part-time potential, a medical coder working three days a week for 24 hours would earn around $27,069 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still viable for those seeking supplemental income. For those considering per diem roles, rates typically exceed regular staff wages by 10-25%, making this an appealing option for flexibility and higher earning potential. Hourly rates also vary among employers in Des Moines; private practices might offer lower pay compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which often come with additional benefits. Medical coders must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and the steadiness of full-time employment with insurance packages. Savvy negotiators in this market should highlight their credentials and any specialized training, as these can greatly influence pay discussions and overall compensation packages in the healthcare industry.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical coders in Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov