Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $32,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Des Moines, IA earns a median $32,207/year (≈ $15.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $35,122 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, the 2026 median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists is projected to be $32,207, a figure that exceeds the national median of $30,349 by 6.12%. The salary range for professionals in this field varies widely, from a lower end of $25,216 at the 10th percentile to a top end of $41,881 at the 90th percentile, based on data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys. This disparity in pay reflects the differences in specialty areas, with those focused on inpatient coding (CCS) generally earning more than their outpatient counterparts (CPC), while roles in risk adjustment (HCC coding) are also on the rise, driven by increasing demand in the healthcare sector. The growing landscape of remote work opportunities for coding specialists has contributed positively to job flexibility as well as potential earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,216 | $12.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28,522 | $13.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $32,207 | $15.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,503 | $18.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41,881 | $20.14 |
Median Salary Position
6.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,665 (2026 est.). At $32,207, the local median is 6.12% above the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $32,207/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $29,494 | +9.20% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +6.12% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $32,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 9.20% above the Iowa state average of $29,494.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $32,207 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $35,122 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,470
2025 BLS Actual
$31,477
2026 Current Est.
$32,207
2021–2027 Growth
+-16.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,477 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,954 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -20.3% from $39,470 (2021) to $31,477 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $32,954 by 2027 — a total increase of $-6,516 (-16.51%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $25,216 – $28,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $28,522 – $32,207 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $32,207 – $38,503 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,503 – $41,881 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Des Moines
With approximately 490 medical billing and coding specialists currently employed in Des Moines, the local job market showcases a stable demand for these professionals. The cost of living index for the area stands at 91.701, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance overall purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include physician group practices, hospital inpatient coding departments, and third-party coding companies that facilitate remote positions. The pay scale is influenced by various factors such as coding specialty, certification combinations, compliance roles, and productivity metrics. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider adding credentials like CCS or CRC to their qualifications, remain updated on code changes, and explore remote work opportunities that can offer bonuses based on productivity.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
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
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 $31,477 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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