Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $34,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Des Moines, WA earns a median $34,296/year (≈ $16.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $31,933 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, WA, the 2026 median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists is projected to be $34,296, which represents a notable 13.01% increase over the national median of $30,349. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, from $25,361 at the 10th percentile to $52,988 at the 90th percentile. These figures emerge from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost of living adjustments. A combination of certifications, such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), can greatly enhance earning potential. The job market in Des Moines reflects opportunities for growth and specialization that align with both local demand and national trends.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,361 | $12.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,297 | $14.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,296 | $16.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,084 | $20.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,988 | $25.48 |
Median Salary Position
13.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,627 (2026 est.). At $34,296, the local median is 13.01% above the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $34,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $34,607 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +13.01% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $34,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.01% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $34,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,296 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $31,933 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,582
2025 BLS Actual
$33,518
2026 Current Est.
$34,296
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,091 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,582 (2021) to $33,518 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,509 (14.74%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $25,361 – $29,297 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,297 – $34,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,296 – $43,084 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,084 – $52,988 |
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 Des Moines
In terms of local employment conditions, there are currently seven medical billing and coding specialists working in Des Moines. With a cost of living index of 107.4, professionals should be mindful of how it impacts take-home pay in the region. While the salary range varies, coding positions in physician group practices or those focusing on inpatient coding departments typically offer the highest compensation. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include specialty focus—those in inpatient coding (CCS) generally earn more compared to outpatient (CPC)—as well as credential stacking and the remote work structure that has become standard since the shift in 2020. To maximize earnings in the Des Moines market, professionals should consider continuously updating their skills through AAPC or AHIMA certifications and engaging in specialties like risk adjustment coding, which is seeing substantial growth.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 $33,518 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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