Medical Coder Salary in Missoula, MT: $42,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Missoula, MT earns a median $42,999/year (≈ $20.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.4), that paycheck buys what $44,584 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With 90 medical coders currently employed in the area, Missoula, Montana, offers a competitive environment for professionals in this field. The projected median annual salary stands at $42,999 for 2026, slightly above the national median of $41,861, indicating a favorable economic climate for medical coder pay in Missoula MT. Salaries range widely, with entry-level coders earning approximately $31,703 while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $53,992, showcasing a varied local market influenced by factors such as employer type and individual qualifications. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the potential for career advancement within the region's healthcare landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,703 | $15.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,465 | $18.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,999 | $20.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,238 | $23.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,992 | $25.96 |
Median Salary Position
2.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,289 (2026 est.). At $42,999, the local median is 2.72% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be above the median
How Missoula Medical Coder Pay Compares
Missoula median: $42,999/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $41,465 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +2.72% more |
Medical Coders in Missoula, MT earn a median of $42,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 3.70% above the Montana state average of $41,465.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.56% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.445 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $42,999 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,584 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.69% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$46,830
2025 BLS Actual
$42,024
2026 Current Est.
$42,999
2021–2027 Growth
+-6.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Missoula (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,997 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -10.3% from $46,830 (2021) to $42,024 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $-2,833 (-6.05%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $31,703 – $37,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,465 – $42,999 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,999 – $48,238 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,238 – $53,992 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Missoula
The cost of living in Missoula is relatively lower, with a cost-of-living index of 96.445, which can positively impact take-home pay for medical coders. Large healthcare organizations in the area tend to offer the highest salaries compared to private practices, community health centers, and specialty clinics. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the overall benefits structure provided by employers contribute to the salary range seen among local coders. To maximize pay, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications, seeking employment with larger facilities, and staying adaptable to shifts in the job market. Overall, understanding the local dynamics and focusing on skill development will empower coders to improve their earning potential in Missoula.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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
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 $42,024 for medical codersin the Missoula 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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