Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Johnston, IA: $27,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Johnston, IA earns a median $27,384/year (≈ $13.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $30,292 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, IA, the projected median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in 2026 is estimated at $27,384. This figure reflects a local market substantially below the national median of $30,349, highlighting a difference of about 9.77%. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $21,761 at the lower end (P10) to $41,759 at the higher end (P90). Adjusted for regional cost factors, these numbers indicate varying pay levels within local healthcare environments. Notably, specialties such as inpatient CCS tend to command higher salaries compared to outpatient coding roles like CPC. Given the current demand for healthcare services, particularly in a growing city like Johnston, the opportunity for upward mobility remains, especially for those pursuing advanced credentials and additional expertise.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,761 | $10.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24,305 | $11.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $27,384 | $13.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34,415 | $16.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41,759 | $20.08 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,998 (2026 est.). At $27,384, the local median is 9.77% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Johnston median: $27,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $29,509 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -9.77% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Johnston, IA earn a median of $27,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $29,509.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $27,384 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $30,292 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$24,418
2025 BLS Actual
$26,763
2026 Current Est.
$27,384
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Johnston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24,418 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,596 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,763 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,019 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $24,418 (2021) to $26,763 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $28,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,601 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $21,761 – $24,305 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $24,305 – $27,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $27,384 – $34,415 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $34,415 – $41,759 |
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 Johnston
Despite the lower overall salary figures for medical billing and coding specialists in Johnston, local employment remains stable, with four individuals working in this occupation. The cost of living index for the area sits at 90.4, suggesting that professionals may enjoy a relative advantage in their purchasing power compared to national averages. Local employers such as physician group practices and outpatient facilities often have distinct pay scales, while third-party coding companies that offer remote work options are also becoming competitive. The disparities in pay can often be attributed to factors like specialty area, combination of certifications such as CPC, CCS, and CRC, and the ability to work in audit or compliance roles, all of which can substantially enhance earning potential. For those determined to maximize their pay, pursuing in-demand certifications and seeking opportunities in higher-paying healthcare settings can set one on a path toward increased financial success in Johnston's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 $26,763 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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