Medical Coder Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $21.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in West Des Moines, IA runs $21.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, the medical coder hourly pay is projected at $21.08 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $20.13. This favorable rate offers flexibility for those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, which can result in significant take-home earnings for employees in clinical environments. As for entry-level coders, the hourly rate starts at around $15.74, while experienced professionals can earn up to $32.68 per hour. These figures suggest a competitive start for many in this field, and the hourly rates are based on annual salary data that reflect a range of experience and specialization within the medical coding profession.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.74 | $125.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.67 | $141.37 |
| Median (P50) | $21.08 | $168.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.86 | $214.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.68 | $261.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $21.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.08/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $43,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,294. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $843.12 | $3,654 | $43,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $505.87 | $2,192 | $26,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $337.25 | $1,461 | $17,537 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (West Des Moines) | $21.08 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $43,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.75% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 7.80% above the Iowa state average of $40,676.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.08/hr = $26,305/year (purchasing power: $29,099).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,842/year (purchasing power: $48,498).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.08/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in West Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in West Des Moines grew 9.6% from $18.80/hr (2021) to $20.60/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.57/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 West 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 West Des Moines
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time medical coders reveals distinct differences from full-time income. A coder working 24 hours per week at $21.08 would take home approximately $26,818 annually, while full-time coders could earn closer to $43,849. For those considering per diem roles, the appeal often lies in enhanced pay rates that typically offer a premium of 10-25% over standard wages. Employment types also vary pay scales, with community health centers and large healthcare organizations often providing more comprehensive benefits, which could justify accepting slightly lower hourly wages compared to private practices. Negotiating effectively in West Des Moines might involve emphasizing experience and specialized training, especially when approaching employers that can provide full-time benefits, as having health insurance can be a significant factor in total compensation.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in West Des Moines?
Are medical coders in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in West Des Moines?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in West Des Moines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 West 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
Salary data for West Des Moines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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