Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $20.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $20.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,092 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to sit at $20.11, which closely aligns with the national median of $20.13. This rate provides a decent earning potential for those working part-time, such as in typical clinical settings, where coders may choose to work three days a week. For per-diem medical coders, the flexibility of this role allows not only to manage their schedules but also to earn according to the demands of their time. In Cape Girardeau, hourly compensation varies significantly, ranging from $14.35 at the entry-level to an impressive $30.22 for the highest earners. These figures are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates for the region in 2026, highlighting the local market's dynamics.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.35 | $114.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.53 | $124.26 |
| Median (P50) | $20.11 | $160.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.08 | $208.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.22 | $241.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $20.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.11/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $41,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,127. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $804.24 | $3,485 | $41,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.54 | $2,091 | $25,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.69 | $1,394 | $16,728 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Cape Girardeau) | $20.11 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $41,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.10% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 2.40% above the Missouri state average of $40,840.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.11/hr = $25,092/year (purchasing power: $29,150).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,820/year (purchasing power: $48,584).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.11/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+13.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Cape Girardeau (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Cape Girardeau grew 8.5% from $18.11/hr (2021) to $19.65/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.57/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
Exploring the full spectrum of medical coder pay in Cape Girardeau reveals various opportunities shaped by employment types. A medical coder working just three days a week (24 hours) can expect to take home around $24,000 annually, quite different from a full-time coder whose consistent hours lead to higher overall earnings. Per-diem roles often offer a premium pay rate above standard staff wages, generally between 10-25%, making them attractive for those who value flexibility over benefits. Hourly rates can also differ markedly among employers; while private practices may offer lower compensation, larger healthcare institutions and community health centers might provide better pay but with differing work expectations. Medical coders should weigh the trade-offs of accepting lower hourly wages against the benefits of health insurance and other perks. For successful negotiations, it’s advisable to assess local compensation trends and come prepared with evidence of market rates.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Cape Girardeau?
Are medical coders in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Cape Girardeau?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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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 Cape Girardeau. 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