Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $18.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Joplin, MO runs $18.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,087 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the medical coder hourly pay stands at $18.50, which is slightly below the national median of $20.13. This rate can significantly impact part-time coders working three days a week, as they would earn a projected $1,440 monthly if they stick to a standard 24-hour work schedule. For per-diem coders, typically engaged on an as-needed basis, the compensation can fluctuate within the industry standard. Given that the hourly range in Joplin extends from $15.09 for entry-level positions to as high as $29.49 for top earners, workers can anticipate varying levels of income depending on experience, credentials, and specific employment settings like clinics or hospitals. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a clear snapshot of what medical coders can expect in terms of hourly wages in Joplin, MO.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.09 | $120.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.01 | $136.04 |
| Median (P50) | $18.50 | $148.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.79 | $190.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.49 | $235.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $18.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.50/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $38,479 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,199. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $739.98 | $3,207 | $38,479 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.99 | $1,924 | $23,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.99 | $1,283 | $15,392 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Joplin) | $18.50 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $38,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.10% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 5.80% below the Missouri state average of $40,841.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.50/hr = $23,087/year (purchasing power: $26,934).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,479/year (purchasing power: $44,890).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.50/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Joplin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Joplin grew 9.6% from $16.50/hr (2021) to $18.08/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.93/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
The earning potential for part-time medical coders in Joplin may provide a different perspective compared to full-time roles. Coders working 24 hours a week would make around $17,280 annually, whereas full-time positions typically offer higher income brackets due to increased hours. For those opting to work per diem, agency rates usually command a premium, often 10-25% more than standard staff pay. The choice of employer can also influence hourly rates; for instance, private practices may offer lower pay compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that can afford to provide better compensation. Additionally, many coders face the decision of accepting lower hourly wages for the benefits of health insurance or opting for higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates in Joplin, being aware of the local market can give coders an edge, empowering them to advocate for fair compensation in line with their qualifications and the realities of the healthcare job market.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
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 Joplin. 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, 4-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