Medical Coder Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $37,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $37,862/year (≈ $18.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $41,883 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical coders in Ottumwa, Iowa, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $37,862. This figure places them below the national median of $41,861, indicating a competitive yet challenging local market for medical coder pay in Ottumwa IA. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $30,243 and experienced coders earning as much as $56,701. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and consider regional cost adjustments which suggest that the local job market may not keep pace with other parts of the state.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,243 | $14.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,719 | $16.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,862 | $18.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,830 | $22.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,701 | $27.26 |
Median Salary Position
9.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,458 (2026 est.). At $37,862, the local median is 9.55% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Medical Coder Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $37,862/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $40,712 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -9.55% less |
Medical Coders in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $37,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.55% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $40,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $37,862 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,883 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$33,762
2025 BLS Actual
$37,004
2026 Current Est.
$37,862
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Ottumwa (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,004 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,741 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $33,762 (2021) to $37,004 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,979 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $30,243 – $33,719 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,719 – $37,862 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,862 – $46,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,830 – $56,701 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Ottumwa
Despite the modest salary outlook, Ottumwa's job market supports a niche with five medical coders currently employed in the area. The cost of living index, resting at 90.4, suggests that while wages may lag behind national averages, living expenses are relatively lower, affecting take-home purchasing power positively. Among local employers, larger healthcare organizations often offer the best compensation, appealing to candidates with specialty credentials or experience in complex coding. Factors such as shift differentials may also create discrepancies in pay. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Ottumwa market, pursuing additional certifications and targeting organizations that provide comprehensive health benefits can be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical coders make $100K in Ottumwa?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $37,004 for medical codersin the Ottumwa metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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