Medical Coder Salary in Owensboro, KY: $37,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Owensboro, KY earns a median $37,163/year (≈ $17.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Owensboro's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.6), that paycheck buys what $41,940 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Kentucky state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Owensboro, Kentucky, the projected median annual salary for medical coders in 2026 is $37,163. While this figure reflects a local median, it is also notably lower than the national median of $41,861, indicating a potential gap in compensation for local coders. The salary range for this occupation in Owensboro varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $23,886 annually and top earners achieving salaries of up to $63,520. These projections are derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, projected to 2026. For those considering a career in medical coding, understanding both the local market dynamics and the relative earnings potential can provide a clearer picture of job prospects in Owensboro.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,886 | $11.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,985 | $13.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,163 | $17.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,528 | $21.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,520 | $30.54 |
Median Salary Position
11.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owensboro
In Owensboro, KY, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,634 (2026 est.). At $37,163, the local median is 11.22% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Owensboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Owensboro Medical Coder Pay Compares
Owensboro median: $37,163/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owensboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $37,387 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -11.22% less |
Medical Coders in Owensboro, KY earn a median of $37,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.22% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.60% below the Kentucky state average of $37,387.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owensboro has a cost of living 11.39% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Owensboro, KY has a cost-of-living index of 88.61 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $37,163 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,940 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.85% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$37,020
2025 BLS Actual
$36,320
2026 Current Est.
$37,163
2021–2027 Growth
+2.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Owensboro (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,025 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owensboro metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -1.9% from $37,020 (2021) to $36,320 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $1,005 (2.71%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owensboro 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) | $23,886 – $28,985 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,985 – $37,163 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,163 – $45,528 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,528 – $63,520 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Owensboro
The local job market for medical coders in Owensboro features approximately 60 professionals currently employed in this role. With a cost-of-living index of 88.61, the purchasing power for residents is generally favorable compared to national averages, enabling coders to enjoy a decent standard of living despite lower salaries. Employers who typically offer the highest pay include larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, where coders with advanced credentials may see better compensation packages. Variations in pay can also be attributed to factors like shift differentials and benefits that come with larger employers. Focusing on acquiring specialty credentials and seeking opportunities within these larger institutions can significantly enhance earning potential for those in the Owensboro market.
More salary data for Owensboro, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $36,320 for medical codersin the Owensboro 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
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