Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kirkwood, MO: $29,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Kirkwood, MO earns a median $29,376/year (≈ $14.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Kirkwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $32,786 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Kirkwood, Missouri, can expect a median annual salary of $29,376. The salary range for this role spans from $21,898 for the lowest 10% to $45,446 for the top 90%. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost differences. Comparatively, the national median salary stands at $30,349, positioning Kirkwood's compensation slightly below this figure. Credential stacking can significantly affect earning potential, with certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) enhancing lifetime earnings. Consequently, individuals with these credentials in Kirkwood might find more lucrative opportunities, especially in sectors demanding specialized knowledge.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,898 | $10.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25,132 | $12.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $29,376 | $14.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,941 | $17.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,446 | $21.85 |
Median Salary Position
3.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkwood
In Kirkwood, MO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,548 (2026 est.). At $29,376, the local median is 3.21% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kirkwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kirkwood Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Kirkwood median: $29,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $29,613 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -3.21% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $29,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $29,613.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkwood has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $29,376 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $32,786 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$26,195
2025 BLS Actual
$28,710
2026 Current Est.
$29,376
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kirkwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,487 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,385 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,058 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkwood metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $26,195 (2021) to $28,710 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $30,058 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,863 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkwood 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) | $21,898 – $25,132 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $25,132 – $29,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $29,376 – $36,941 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,941 – $45,446 |
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 Kirkwood
Currently, there are only five medical billing and coding specialists employed in Kirkwood, indicating a compact local job market. The cost of living in the area, with an index of 89.6, suggests that while salaries may trail the national median, purchasing power can remain competitive. To maximize pay in this market, individuals should focus on gaining expertise in high-demand specialties, such as inpatient coding or risk adjustment coding, which often command higher rates. Employers such as hospital inpatient coding departments and third-party coding companies frequently offer better compensation packages. As remote work continues to dominate the industry—now comprising about 80% of medical coding positions—professionals should seek roles that allow for flexible work environments and productivity bonuses, which can also help bridge the income gap in Kirkwood's medical billing and coding specialist pay landscape.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in Kirkwood, MO in 2026?
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Can medical billing and coding specialists make $100K in Kirkwood?
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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 $28,710 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Kirkwood 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
Salary data for Kirkwood 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