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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.84/hr | Projected |
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 (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.
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.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines in 2026?
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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 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