Medical Coder jobs in West Des Moines, IA
Medical Coders in the West Des Moines area earn a median of $25.18 per hour, about $52,370 a year, and the middle half of them earn between $24.22 and $30.29. That ranks 84th of 369 U.S. metro areas for medical coder pay, and 51st of 328 once local prices are factored in. The CMS hospital directory lists 4 hospitals in the West Des Moines metro area. The free report below lists employers near West Des Moines and what they pay.
- $25.18median pay per hour, Des Moines
- $24–$30typical range per hour
- 800medical coders employed in the metro area
- 92cost of living index (U.S. = 100)
Medical Coder pay in West Des Moines, IA
The metro median is 2% above the Iowa statewide median of $24.80 per hour. Nationally the median is $24.16 per hour. BLS counts about 800 medical records specialists employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, 2.0 per 1,000 jobs. Employment is more concentrated here than in the country as a whole (location quotient 1.62).
| Level | Per hour | Per year | Compared with U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | $19.79 | $41,160 | 18% below U.S. median |
| Lower quartile | $24.22 | $50,380 | in line with U.S. median |
| Median | $25.18 | $52,370 | 4% above U.S. median |
| Upper quartile | $30.29 | $63,000 | 25% above U.S. median |
| Top 10% | $30.34 | $63,110 | 26% above U.S. median |
How West Des Moines ranks
- 84th of 369 U.S. metro areas by median hourly pay
- 51st of 328 after adjusting for local prices
- 2nd of 8 Iowa metro areas
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, Medical Records Specialists (SOC 29-2072), all industries. This is what employers report paying, not an offer for a specific role.
What your pay buys in West 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).
- Adjusted for local prices, a $25.18 median hour buys what $27.46 buys at the national price level, 14% above the national median.
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.
Get the West Des Moines Medical Coder pay report
Named employers near West Des Moines, what they pay and the roles open now. Free for candidates, email only.
Get my free pay reportEstimate your West Des Moines paycheck
- Per year: $45,324
- Per month: $3,777
Gross pay before taxes and benefits, from BLS pay levels for the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area. For take-home pay use the take-home pay calculator.
Hospitals in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area
CMS lists 4 hospitals in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.
| Hospital | Type | Ownership | CMS rating | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Va Central Iowa Healthcare System Des Moines, IA | Acute Care - Veterans Administration | Government and federal | 4 of 5 | Yes |
| Broadlawns Medical Center Des Moines, IA | Acute care | Government and federal | 3 of 5 | Yes |
| Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi Des Moines, IA | Acute care | Nonprofit | 3 of 5 | Yes |
| Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center Des Moines, IA | Acute care | Nonprofit | 1 of 5 | Yes |
Source: CMS Hospital General Information, public data. A directory of hospitals, not a list of our clients.
Medical Coder pay in nearby cities
| City | Distance | Median pay | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 9 mi | $25.18/hr | 213,096 |
| Ankeny, IA | 16 mi | $25.18/hr | 76,727 |
| Ames, IA | 34 mi | $24.37/hr | 69,026 |
| Waterloo, IA | 98 mi | $22.66/hr | 67,477 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 110 mi | $24.54/hr | 62,665 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 112 mi | $24.80/hr | 137,904 |
What employers ask for, and tax basics in Iowa
Medical coders translate diagnoses and procedures into billing and reporting codes.
- CPC, CCS or equivalent coding credential
- Knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS
- Experience with encoder and EHR systems
Iowa taxes wage income. Use your own rates in the take-home pay calculator.
Other healthcare roles in West Des Moines
West Des Moines city guide: hospitals, employers and licensing
Common questions
How much do medical coders make in West Des Moines, IA?
Medical Coders in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area have a median pay of $25.18 per hour, about $52,370 a year. The middle half earn between $24.22 and $30.29 per hour (BLS, May 2024).
Is West Des Moines a good place for medical coders once cost of living is counted?
Des Moines-West Des Moines ranks 51st of 328 metro areas for medical coder pay after adjusting for local prices, and 84th of 369 before adjusting. Overall prices run 8% below the U.S. average.
Where do medical coders work in West Des Moines?
CMS lists 4 hospitals in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area, 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 West Des Moines as a medical coder?
CPC, CCS or equivalent coding credential. 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 medical coders in West Des Moines?
Yes. We place healthcare staff in West Des Moines and across Iowa. Tell us your profession and we email the roles open near West Des Moines.
What do employers near West Des Moines pay medical coders? Get the report.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
Get your free pay report
20+ Medical Coder roles in Iowa, sent free by email
Tell us who you are and what you do. We email the report within 24 hours on business days.
Your Coder pay reportTop-paying hospitals shown · your Iowa list by name comes with the full report
1Pay for your role at other hospitals
- CommonSpirit HealthCentennial, CO · 3 postings$34.69/ hr$26–$44
- Banner HealthArizona, AZ · 3 postings$31.92/ hr$26–$44
- Avera HealthSioux Falls, SD · 3 postings$31.75/ hr$24–$46
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health SystemIllinois · 4 postings$28.97/ hr$23–$37
Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published. Request your Iowa list
2What they are offering now
53 Coder postings with published pay in the US, 44 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open Coder roles
Open Coder roles near West Des Moines, IA, each with pay, shift and start date, arrive with your report.