IA · Des Moines · Updated October 15, 2026

CDI Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA

The median CDI Specialist pay in Iowa is $34.61 per hour ($71,980 a year), with the typical range running from $26.80 to $41.65. That is 7% above the U.S. median of $32.36 per hour. The CMS hospital directory lists 4 hospitals in Des Moines. Your free pay report adds named employers and the roles open near Des Moines.

CDI Specialist pay in Des Moines, IA

Nationally the median is $32.36 per hour. BLS counts about 240 health information technologists and medical registrars employed in Iowa.

LevelPer hourPer yearCompared with U.S.
Lowest 10%$22.73$47,28030% below U.S. median
Lower quartile$26.80$55,74017% below U.S. median
Median$34.61$71,9807% above U.S. median
Upper quartile$41.65$86,63029% above U.S. median
Top 10%$47.07$97,91045% above U.S. median

BLS does not publish a separate figure for CDI Specialist. These numbers are for the broader category it belongs to, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars (SOC 29-9021), all industries. This is what employers report paying, not an offer for a specific role.

What your pay buys in Des Moines

  • Overall prices in Des Moines-West Des Moines run 8% below the U.S. average (index 91.7, U.S. = 100).
  • Housing is the biggest driver: 15% below the U.S. average (index 84.7).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024. Prices are for the metro area, not for a single neighborhood.

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Named employers near Des Moines, what they pay and the roles open now. Free for candidates, email only.

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Estimate your Des Moines paycheck

Estimated weekly gross$1,246
  • Per year: $62,298
  • Per month: $5,192

Gross pay before taxes and benefits, from BLS pay levels for Iowa. For take-home pay use the take-home pay calculator.

Hospitals in Des Moines

CMS lists 4 hospitals in Des Moines.

HospitalTypeOwnershipCMS ratingEmergency
Va Central Iowa Healthcare System
Des Moines, IA
Acute Care - Veterans AdministrationGovernment and federal4 of 5Yes
Broadlawns Medical Center
Des Moines, IA
Acute careGovernment and federal3 of 5Yes
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Des Moines, IA
Acute careNonprofit3 of 5Yes
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center
Des Moines, IA
Acute careNonprofit1 of 5Yes

Source: CMS Hospital General Information, public data. A directory of hospitals, not a list of our clients.

CDI Specialist pay in nearby cities

CityDistanceMedian payPopulation
West Des Moines, IA9 mi$34.61/hr73,664
Ankeny, IA11 mi$34.61/hr76,727
Ames, IA31 mi$34.61/hr69,026
Waterloo, IA91 mi$34.61/hr67,477
Cedar Rapids, IA103 mi$34.61/hr137,904
Iowa City, IA108 mi$40.67/hr76,710

CDI Specialist jobs in Iowa · CDI Specialist jobs nationwide

What employers ask for, and tax basics in Iowa

Clinical documentation integrity specialists review charts and query clinicians so records reflect patient severity accurately.

  • CCDS or CDIP credential, or the ability to earn one
  • Clinical background such as RN, or coding experience
  • Knowledge of DRGs and quality reporting

Iowa taxes wage income. Use your own rates in the take-home pay calculator.

Iowa state guide

Other healthcare roles in Des Moines

Des Moines city guide: hospitals, employers and licensing

Common questions

How much do CDI Specialists make in Des Moines, IA?

CDI Specialists in Iowa have a median pay of $34.61 per hour, about $71,980 a year. The middle half earn between $26.80 and $41.65 per hour (BLS, May 2024).

Where do CDI Specialists work in Des Moines?

CMS lists 4 hospitals in Des Moines, led by Va Central Iowa Healthcare System. Ask for the free report to see current openings and pay.

Do I need a Iowa license to work in Des Moines as a CDI Specialist?

CCDS or CDIP credential, or the ability to earn one. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what Iowa requires for your role with the Iowa licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date. Confirm with the board before you accept a role.

Does Valorem Health place CDI Specialists in Des Moines?

Yes. We place healthcare staff in Des Moines and across Iowa. Tell us your profession and we email the roles open near Des Moines.

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What do employers near Des Moines pay CDI Specialists? Get the report.

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  1. 1
    Pay for your role at other hospitals

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  2. 2
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Pay report · CDI near Des Moines, IA
Valorem Health Shift ReportFrom your recruiting team · [email protected]

Your CDI pay reportTop-paying hospitals shown · your Iowa list by name comes with the full report

1Pay for your role at other hospitals

  • Montage HealthMonterey, CA · 1 posting$84.65/ hr$72–$97
  • Emanate HealthWest Covina, CA · 1 posting$63.17/ hr$50–$77
  • San Antonio Regional HospitalUpland, CA · 1 posting$59.87/ hr$48–$72
  • Boston Medical CenterRemote, MA · 1 posting$56.69/ hr$38–$75

Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published. Request your Iowa list

2What they are offering now

Low$38Median$53.93High$76

8 CDI postings with published pay in the US, 8 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.

3Open CDI roles

Open CDI roles near Des Moines, IA, each with pay, shift and start date, arrive with your report.

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