Medical Coder Pay

Senior Medical Coder Salary in Dickinson, ND: $46,696 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical coders working in Dickinson, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,696/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Dickinson's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $50,757 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$46,696
Top 10% Earn
$22.45/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$36,743
75th Percentile
$46,696
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Coder Senior Salary in Dickinson, ND — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Dickinson, ND medical coder senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Dickinson, North Dakota, the potential for senior medical coders to earn significantly higher salaries is evident in the projected figures for 2026. Experienced professionals can aim for top-tier compensation with a P90 salary reaching $46,696, while the P75 figure sits at $36,743. This disparity highlights the experience premium in this market, where the median annual salary is $30,126. Achieving the highest levels of pay often requires not just extensive experience of at least seven years but also specialization in areas such as inpatient coding or oncology, which can command these elevated pay rates. The right combination of skills, certifications, and refined knowledge in coding guidelines can provide a pathway to accessing these lucrative opportunities.

About the Dickinson Market

Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Dickinson. The median salary is $30,126, compared to the national median of $41,861.$19.5K$26.9K$34.3K$41.7K$49.0K$21.7K10th Pctl$25.2K25th Pctl$30.1KMedian$36.7K75th Pctl$46.7K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Experienced medical coders at the top of the pay scale in Dickinson earn between $36,743 and $46,696 per year (2026 est.). This $24,987 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dickinson median of $30,126 sits 28.03% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Dickinson metro area.

Top CPC, CCS Salary Comparison

LevelDickinsonNational
Median (P50)$30,126$41,861
75th Percentile$36,743$53,059
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$46,696$66,426

In Dickinson, experienced medical coders (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Medical Coder Pay in Dickinson

1

Advanced Certifications in North Dakota

ND medical coders with additional specialty certifications within the medical coding field earn significantly above the $30,126 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dickinson employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Coders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical coding field in Dickinson command premium compensation, often reaching the $36,743–$46,696 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dickinson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical coders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical coders in Dickinson with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Coders in North Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Medical Coder Career & Wage Growth Path in Dickinson

Clinical Medical Coder

0-5 years
$21,709 – $30,126

Senior/Lead Medical Coder

5-10 years
$30,126 – $36,743

Medical Coder Department Manager

10+ years
$36,743+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Dickinson ranks #5 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner medical coder salary (90th percentile: $46,696).

Top 10% medical coder compensation in Dickinson ($46,696) is 28.02% below the North Dakota average P90 ($64,877).

2021 BLS Actual

$41,728

2025 BLS Actual

$45,637

2026 Current Est.

$46,696

2021–2027 Growth

+14.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Dickinson (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Dickinson. Baseline $41,728 in 2025, projected to $47,779 by 2027.$36.1K$45.9K$55.7K$65.5K$75.3K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.7K$42.4K$43.8K$69.7K$45.6K$46.7K$47.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$41,728Actual
2022$42,437Actual
2023$43,759Actual
2024$69,717Actual
2025$45,637Actual
2026(current)$46,696Estimated
2027$47,779Projected

Top-earning medical coders (90th percentile) in Dickinson saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $41,728 in 2021 to $45,637 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $47,779 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Medical Coder Earnings in Dickinson

Examining the senior medical coder pay in ND reveals that compensation varies not only based on experience but also depending on the type of employer. Private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each offer unique compensation structures that can benefit seasoned coders differently. Advancement into leadership roles, such as lead practitioner or clinical coordinator, is also realistic for those aiming to increase their earnings. Advanced credentials, like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), further enhance pay prospects in Dickinson, making them valuable assets for top medical coder salaries. Additionally, senior-level positions might feature non-salary compensation factors such as shift differentials and benefits, emphasizing the importance of workplace dynamics in salary negotiations and overall job satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical coders make in Dickinson in 2026?

Top-earning medical coders in Dickinson (90th percentile) make $46,696/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $16,570 more than the area median of $30,126 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical coders typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical coder pay in Dickinson?

Higher medical coder pay in Dickinson is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical coder salary in Dickinson?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical coders in Dickinson include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $30,126, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical coders make six figures in Dickinson?

The 90th percentile in Dickinson is $46,696. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical coder salary increase over time in Dickinson?

In Dickinson, the gap between entry level ($21,709) and top earners ($46,696) is $24,987, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Dakota

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $45,637 for medical coders in the Dickinson metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Dickinson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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