Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $7.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Pierre, SD runs $7.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $15,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $7.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $9,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pierre, South Dakota, a medical billing and coding specialist earns a median hourly rate of $7.38, significantly lower than the national median of $14.59. This disparity highlights the local market conditions and the limited earning potential for individuals in this field. For those seeking part-time work, such as three days a week, or per-diem opportunities in various healthcare settings—including remote home offices, hospital health information management departments, and coding cubicles—this hourly pay structure translates to a modest income. Entry-level coders can expect around $5.38 per hour, while top earners can potentially make up to $11.18, making it a critical consideration for those weighing their options in this profession.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $5.38 | $43.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $6.66 | $53.29 |
| Median (P50) | $7.38 | $59.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $9.21 | $73.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $11.18 | $89.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $7.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $7.38/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $15,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $8,853. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $295.09 | $1,279 | $15,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $177.05 | $767 | $9,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $118.04 | $511 | $6,138 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Pierre) | $7.38 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pierre, SD earn a median of $15,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.43% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 6.10% below the South Dakota state average of $16,343.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $7.38/hr = $9,207/year (purchasing power: $9,921).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $15,345/year (purchasing power: $16,535).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$6.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$7.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$7.38/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pierre (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $6.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $6.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $6.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $7.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $7.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $7.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Pierre grew 9.6% from $6.58/hr (2021) to $7.21/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $7.55/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Pierre
Part-time medical billing and coding specialists working just 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual earnings figure that reflects their hourly commitment, substantially lower than a full-time peer. In contrast to traditional employment, per-diem medical coders typically command higher rates, often ranging from $25 to $42 per hour for 1099 roles, with inpatient coders reaching $35 to $55 per hour. The variation in rates also depends on employer type, with physician group practices and hospital coding departments generally offering lower pay compared to third-party coding companies and consulting firms, where remote work is increasingly common. Accepting a lower hourly wage can sometimes include benefits like health insurance, a trade-off many specialists face. For those entering the workforce in Pierre, effective negotiation strategies are vital. Understanding the local market rates and emphasizing skills in coding specialties like risk adjustment can lead to more favorable compensation discussions.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Pierre. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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 billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
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