Medical Coder Salary in Moorhead, MN: $31,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Moorhead, MN earns a median $31,724/year (≈ $15.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $32,207 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $31,724 for medical coders in Moorhead, Minnesota, the local job market reflects a modest pay scale compared to the national median of $41,861 for 2026. The salary range extends from $24,644 at the 10th percentile to $49,173 at the 90th percentile, suggesting varying levels of experience and specialization among coders in the area. Current employment numbers indicate that only 11 medical coders are working in Moorhead, which may indicate a relatively saturated market that could influence local salaries. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional cost adjustments, portraying a compensation structure that aligns with the area's economic landscape and healthcare demand.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,644 | $11.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27,877 | $13.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $31,724 | $15.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,779 | $18.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,173 | $23.64 |
Median Salary Position
24.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,529 (2026 est.). At $31,724, the local median is 24.22% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Medical Coder Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $31,724/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $32,977 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -24.22% less |
Medical Coders in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $31,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.22% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $32,977.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $31,724 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $32,207 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$28,289
2025 BLS Actual
$31,005
2026 Current Est.
$31,724
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Moorhead (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,289 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,005 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,460 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $28,289 (2021) to $31,005 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $32,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,171 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $24,644 – $27,877 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $27,877 – $31,724 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $31,724 – $38,779 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,779 – $49,173 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Moorhead
Examining the local job market, it's clear that the 11 medical coders in Moorhead are navigating a cost-of-living index of 98.5, which is slightly below the national average. This means that while the medical coder pay in Moorhead MN may seem low compared to larger markets, the purchasing power is better aligned with local living costs. Employment opportunities often arise from private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics, with larger employers typically offering more competitive salaries. Factors contributing to the salary spread include shift differentials, the need for specialized credentials, and differences in benefits offered by various employers. To maximize earnings, medical coders in Moorhead should consider pursuing certifications, gaining experience in specialized coding fields, or exploring opportunities in larger healthcare settings, which generally provide better compensation packages.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Moorhead, MN in 2026?
Is Moorhead, MN a good place to work as a medical coder?
Can medical coders make $100K in Moorhead?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in Moorhead?
How much does a medical coder make per hour in Moorhead?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $31,005 for medical codersin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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