Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Columbia, MO: $36,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Columbia, MO earns a median $36,177/year (≈ $17.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $40,449 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.1% above the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Columbia, Missouri, earn a median annual salary of $36,177, surpassing the national median by a notable margin of 19.20%. With salaries ranging from a lower threshold of $26,059 to a higher end at $43,963, the market reflects a healthy demand for skilled professionals in this field. Specialties significantly influence pay levels; those engaged in inpatient coding (CCS) typically earn more than their counterparts in risk adjustment (CRC) or outpatient coding (CPC). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected forward, suggests a dynamic local job market for those entering the profession, signaling promising opportunities for career advancement in Columbia.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,059 | $12.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,970 | $14.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,177 | $17.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37,827 | $18.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,963 | $21.14 |
Median Salary Position
19.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,904 (2026 est.). At $36,177, the local median is 19.2% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be above the median
How Columbia Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $36,177/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $29,629 | +22.10% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +19.20% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Columbia, MO earn a median of $36,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.20% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 22.10% above the Missouri state average of $29,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 10.56% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.438 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $36,177 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,449 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.81% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$46,520
2025 BLS Actual
$35,357
2026 Current Est.
$36,177
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,357 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,017 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -24.0% from $46,520 (2021) to $35,357 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $-9,503 (-20.43%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $26,059 – $29,970 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,970 – $36,177 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,177 – $37,827 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $37,827 – $43,963 |
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 Columbia
In this area, approximately 300 medical billing and coding specialists are employed, indicating a robust local job market. With a cost of living index of 89.438, take-home purchasing power in Columbia remains relatively strong compared to many other regions. Organizations such as physician group practices, hospital inpatient coding departments, and third-party coding companies tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Factors driving the salary range vary from specialty qualifications to additional credentials (like CPC, CCS, and CRC), as well as the nature of the work environment—whether remote or in-person. Productivity bonuses for coding efficiency also play a significant role in compensation. To effectively increase earning potential in Columbia, specialists should consider obtaining additional certifications, staying updated with ICD-10-CM and CPT coding changes, and seeking roles within high-paying employers that align with their expertise in risk adjustment or inpatient coding.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 $35,357 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Columbia 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