Medical Coder Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $19.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in University City, MO runs $19.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,277 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, medical coders earn a median hourly rate of $19.37, which is slightly below the national median of $20.13. This rate provides a competitive foundation for part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in clinical environments where flexible scheduling is common. For those working three days a week, the pay can help sustain a reasonable income, especially when considering the hourly range that spans from $14.22 for entry-level positions to $28.99 for experienced coders. These figures are derived from projected annual salaries, indicative of the trends within the healthcare sector as more facilities rely on accurate coding for billing and compliance.
About the University City 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) | $14.22 | $113.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.42 | $131.38 |
| Median (P50) | $19.37 | $154.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.22 | $193.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.99 | $231.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $19.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.37/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $40,288 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,243. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $774.77 | $3,357 | $40,288 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $464.86 | $2,014 | $24,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $309.91 | $1,343 | $16,115 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (University City) | $19.37 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $40,277 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.78% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $40,849.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.37/hr = $24,173/year (purchasing power: $26,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,288/year (purchasing power: $44,964).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.37/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in University City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in University City grew 9.6% from $17.27/hr (2021) to $18.93/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.82/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Coder in University City
Shifting focus to part-time prospects, a medical coder working 24 hours per week may take home a significantly different income compared to their full-time counterparts, revealing the contrasts in earning potential. Per-diem and agency rates usually command a premium, often 10-25% higher than standard W-2 pay, which could lead to enhanced pay for those who opt for this flexible approach. Within University City, the specific hourly pay can vary widely by employer type, including private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics. While some medical coders may willingly accept lower hourly pay to secure health benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly rates without these perks. For effective negotiations, it's advisable for coders to assess their market value relative to the medical coder hourly pay in University City and consider the long-term implications of benefit packages against hourly wages.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in University City in 2026?
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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 University City. 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 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 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