Medical Coder Salary in DeKalb, IL: $39,356 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in DeKalb, IL earns a median $39,356/year (≈ $18.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $40,531 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for medical coders in DeKalb, Illinois, is projected to be $39,356, which signifies a slight decline of 5.98% compared to the national median of $41,861. Local employment data indicates that there are approximately nine medical coders currently working in the area, suggesting a competitive job market with limited saturation. The salary range for this role varies significantly, from a lower percentile (P10) of $30,609 to a high end (P90) of $61,002. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlight the potential for variance in compensation based on experience, employer type, and individual qualifications. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both emerging and seasoned professionals seeking to navigate the DeKalb job market.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,609 | $14.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,610 | $16.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,356 | $18.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,075 | $23.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,002 | $29.32 |
Median Salary Position
5.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,393 (2026 est.). At $39,356, the local median is 5.98% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Medical Coder Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $39,356/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $40,911 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -5.98% less |
Medical Coders in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $39,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $40,911.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $39,356 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,531 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,094
2025 BLS Actual
$38,464
2026 Current Est.
$39,356
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in DeKalb (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,486 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,689 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,464 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,356 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,269 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $35,094 (2021) to $38,464 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,175 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $30,609 – $34,610 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,610 – $39,356 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,356 – $48,075 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,075 – $61,002 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in DeKalb
With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for medical coders in DeKalb slightly exceeds the national average, offering potential benefits for local residents. The nine medical coders employed in the area might find the highest salaries available in large healthcare organizations, as these employers typically offer more comprehensive benefits and greater job security. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the specific size of the employer, with larger institutions likely providing more opportunities for advancement and enhanced pay structures. For those looking to maximize their compensation, pursuing additional certifications or experience in specialized coding areas can significantly impact earnings. Overall, understanding how much medical coders make in DeKalb requires careful consideration of these various factors within the local job market.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in DeKalb, IL in 2026?
Is DeKalb, IL a good place to work as a medical coder?
Can medical coders make $100K in DeKalb?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in DeKalb?
How much does a medical coder make per hour in DeKalb?
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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
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 $38,464 for medical codersin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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