Medical Billing Salary

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $15.48 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Des Moines, IA runs $15.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $32,207 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $16.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,320 per year.

$32,207
Median Annual Salary
$15.48/hr
Hourly Rate
$25,216
Entry Level (P10)
$41,881
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Rate in Des Moines, IA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Des Moines, IA medical billing and coding specialist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the median hourly pay for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines, Iowa, is projected to be $15.48, which is notably higher than the national median of $14.59. This hourly rate indicates that part-time professionals working three days a week in various settings such as remote home offices, hospital health information management (HIM) departments, or physician group coding offices can earn a reasonable income by only working limited hours. Entry-level coders typically start at around $12.12 per hour, while experienced specialists at the higher end of the spectrum can earn up to $20.14 per hour. Such an hourly scale allows for flexibility in work schedules, and many find opportunities in per diem positions, making this profession accessible to those seeking part-time work in medical coding.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$12.12$97.00
Lower Range (P25)$13.71$109.69
Median (P50)$15.48$123.85
Upper Range (P75)$18.51$148.08
Top Earners (P90)$20.14$161.09

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines

Based on $15.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a medical billing and coding specialist in Des Moines earning $15.48/hr would make approximately $18,577 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $32,201 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$18,577Reduced (32 hr/wk)$24,770Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$32,201

At $15.48/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $32,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,577. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$123.85
per 8hr shift
$619.24
per week
$2,683
per month
$32,201
per year

Schedule Comparison in Des Moines

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$619.24$2,683$32,201
Part-Time (24 hrs)$371.54$1,610$19,320
Per Diem (16 hrs)$247.70$1,073$12,880

Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Des Moines)$15.48
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing medical billing and coding specialist median salary in Des Moines ($32,207) with Iowa average ($29,494) and the US national median ($30,349).Des Moines$32,207Iowa Avg$29,494+9.20%US National$30,349+6.12%

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.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $15.48/hr = $19,320/year (purchasing power: $21,069).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $32,201/year (purchasing power: $35,115).

CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2021 BLS Actual

$18.98/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$15.13/hr

2026 Current Est.

$15.48/hr

2021–2027 Growth

+-16.5%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Des Moines (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines. Baseline $18.98/hr in 2025, projected to $15.84/hr by 2027.$13$17$20$24$2720212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$18.98$22.72$24.24$25.18$15.13$15.48$15.84
YearHourly RateStatus
2021$18.98/hrActual
2022$22.72/hrActual
2023$24.24/hrActual
2024$25.18/hrActual
2025$15.13/hrActual
2026(current)$15.48/hrEstimated
2027$15.84/hrProjected

Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines grew -20.3% from $18.98/hr (2021) to $15.13/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.84/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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Des Moines

When analyzing the financial landscape for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines, part-time employment can yield significantly different annual incomes compared to full-time work. A professional working full-time might generate a stable annual income, but those who choose to work three days a week can expect earnings reflective of 24 hours weekly, which translates to around $32,000 per year at a median hourly rate. Additionally, per diem medical billing and coding specialist pay in Des Moines is often more lucrative; 1099 coders may earn between $25 and $42 per hour, with specialized roles like CCS inpatient coders commanding even higher rates from $35 to $55 per hour. Variability in hourly rates occurs across different types of employers, including physician practices, hospitals, and third-party coding companies. Some specialists may forgo higher hourly earning potential for the stability of benefits associated with full-time positions, making it crucial to weigh these factors during negotiations. For those looking to optimize their earning potential, it’s vital to familiarize oneself with the local job market, understand the value of certifications like those from AAPC or AHIMA, and consider the advantages of various employer types in Des Moines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines is $15.48/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). Rates range from $12.12 at entry level (10th percentile) to $20.14 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 6.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Des Moines?

A part-time medical billing and coding specialist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Des Moines earns approximately $1,610/month, or $19,320/year at the median hourly rate of $15.48. Many medical billing and coding specialists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?

The majority of medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines are paid hourly at a median rate of $15.48/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $32,201/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Des Moines?

A full-time medical billing and coding specialist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Des Moines earns approximately $32,201/year at the median hourly rate of $15.48. This is 6.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $41,884/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?

Part-time and per diem medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $20.14/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

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

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