Ames vs Cedar Rapids: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Ames, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $29,584▲ | $29,501 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.22▲ | $14.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,623 | $23,798▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $24,338 | $26,765▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $35,720▲ | $35,560 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,394 | $44,266▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Cedar Rapids are closely matched on overall medical billing and coding specialist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Cedar Rapids is $83 (0.28%). Ames's median is -2.52% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $22,771,Cedar Rapids spans $20,468. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($33,304 effective) pays 0.43% more than Cedar Rapids ($33,161 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($29,584/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $33,304)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($44,266)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Ames grew -23.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -37.5% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ames, IA
$37,850 (2021) → $28,913 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$46,160 (2021) → $28,832 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Ames or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ames to Cedar Rapids as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Ames vs Cedar Rapids?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov