Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in University City, MO: $29,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in University City, MO earns a median $29,201/year (≈ $14.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $32,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, medical billing and coding specialists can expect a median annual salary of $29,201 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $30,349. The local salary range indicates possible earnings from $21,443 at the 10th percentile to as much as $43,708 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect a local job market shaped by the varying demand for different coding specialties. For instance, inpatient coding roles often command higher wages compared to outpatient coding and risk adjustment positions. This nuanced pay gradient highlights the value of specialization and credentialing skills, critical factors influencing compensation in the University City area.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,443 | $10.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24,766 | $11.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $29,201 | $14.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,521 | $17.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,708 | $21.02 |
Median Salary Position
3.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,265 (2026 est.). At $29,201, the local median is 3.78% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
University City median: $29,201/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $29,616 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -3.78% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in University City, MO earn a median of $29,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.78% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $29,616.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City 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.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $29,201 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $32,590 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$26,039
2025 BLS Actual
$28,539
2026 Current Est.
$29,201
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in University City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,039 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,879 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $26,039 (2021) to $28,539 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $29,879 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,840 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $21,443 – $24,766 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $24,766 – $29,201 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $29,201 – $36,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,521 – $43,708 |
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 University City
With only six medical billing and coding specialists currently employed in University City, the job market exhibits a modest level of opportunity. The area’s cost of living index stands at 89.6, suggesting that the purchasing power of salaries may be more favorable compared to regions with higher costs. Employers such as hospital inpatient coding departments and physician group practice coding offices typically offer competitive salaries, while remote work options may appeal to those seeking flexibility. The significant salary disparities observed—attributable to specialties, credential stacking, and productivity measures—illustrate the importance of pursuing professional development. For those looking to maximize earnings, obtaining additional certifications through organizations like AAPC or AHIMA and focusing on high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding can be beneficial strategies for enhancing the overall medical billing and coding specialist pay in University City, MO.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in University City, MO in 2026?
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Can medical billing and coding specialists make $100K in University City?
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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 $28,539 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the University City 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 University City 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