Des Moines vs Johnston: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $32,207▲ | $27,384 |
| Hourly Rate | $15.48▲ | $13.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,216▲ | $21,761 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,522▲ | $24,305 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,503▲ | $34,415 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $41,881▲ | $41,759 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Johnston is $4,823 (17.61%). Des Moines's median is +6.12% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $16,665,Johnston spans $19,998. Johnston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($35,122 effective) pays 15.94% more than Johnston ($30,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($32,207/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($41,881)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $35,122)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓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 Des Moines grew -20.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -30.7% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$39,470 (2021) → $31,477 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$38,596 (2024) → $26,763 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Des Moines or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Johnston as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Des Moines vs Johnston?
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