Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $19.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Kirkwood, MO runs $19.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkwood, Missouri, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach $19.48 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $20.13. For individuals working part-time, such as those who might choose a schedule of three days a week, this rate translates to a manageable income while still allowing flexibility. Per-diem medical coders can also benefit from the profession's typical settings, often finding opportunities in clinical environments where they can work on an as-needed basis. The hourly pay for medical coders in this area spans from $14.52 for entry-level positions (P10) to $30.13 for top earners (P90), reflecting the variation based on skills, experience, and employer type. These figures reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings throughout the profession.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.52 | $116.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.67 | $133.34 |
| Median (P50) | $19.48 | $155.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.50 | $195.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.13 | $241.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $19.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.48/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $40,522 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,378. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $779.27 | $3,377 | $40,522 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $467.56 | $2,026 | $24,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $311.71 | $1,351 | $16,209 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Kirkwood) | $19.48 |
| 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 Coders in Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $40,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $40,844.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.48/hr = $24,313/year (purchasing power: $27,135).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,522/year (purchasing power: $45,225).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.48/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Kirkwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Kirkwood grew 9.6% from $17.37/hr (2021) to $19.04/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.93/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkwood 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 Coder in Kirkwood
Earning potential for medical coders working part-time in Kirkwood can diverge significantly from those in full-time roles. A coder working a typical 24-hour week would take home an estimated annual income that aligns with their part-time commitments, while full-time coders benefit from the stability of a regular paycheck. Moreover, professionals working through per-diem or agency channels may expect competitive rates—often 10-25% higher than those in W-2 positions—giving them the flexibility of choosing assignments that fit their preferences. Hourly rates can vary between situations; for example, private practices may offer lower wages compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics due to factors like budget constraints and benefit allocations. Some coders accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate can be crucial, especially for Kirkwood coders—emphasizing experience and credentials may help secure a more favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding 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 coders in Kirkwood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kirkwood 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 coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov