Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $23.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Columbia, MO runs $23.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,945 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, Missouri, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $23.99 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $20.13 per hour. This advantageous rate enhances the appeal for both part-time coders who might work three days a week and those seeking per-diem positions, which often cater to varying schedules in clinical settings. The range of hourly wages in this profession spans from $17.28 for entry-level positions to $29.16 for experienced coders, reflecting the diverse skill levels and certifications within the industry. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, indicates a competitive landscape for medical coders in Columbia compared to the national figures.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.28 | $138.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.87 | $158.96 |
| Median (P50) | $23.99 | $191.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.08 | $200.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.16 | $233.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $23.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.99/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $49,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,793. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $959.76 | $4,159 | $49,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.86 | $2,495 | $29,945 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.90 | $1,664 | $19,963 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Columbia) | $23.99 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $49,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.20% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 22.10% above the Missouri state average of $40,868.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.99/hr = $29,945/year (purchasing power: $33,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,908/year (purchasing power: $55,801).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.99/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+9.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Columbia grew 4.8% from $22.37/hr (2021) to $23.45/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.55/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Exploring the part-time earnings potential, a medical coder working 24 hours per week can anticipate a more flexible work-life balance. Nonetheless, their annual earnings will differ significantly from full-time counterparts, as they would earn substantially less despite the attractive hourly rate. For those considering per diem opportunities, they might find that agency rates can command a 10-25% premium, providing a lucrative option for experienced coders willing to adapt to varying work environments. Furthermore, employers across Columbia, such as private practices, larger healthcare organizations, and community health centers, may offer different compensation structures. Coders in these settings often weigh the trade-offs of higher hourly wages against the stability and health insurance benefits provided by full-time employment. To negotiate effectively, understanding local market rates and presenting one's qualifications confidently can yield better pay and job satisfaction for medical coders in Columbia, MO.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Columbia?
Are medical coders in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Columbia?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Columbia. 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