Fort Collins vs Thornton: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $33,038 | $33,122▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $15.89 | $15.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,919▲ | $22,607 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,008▲ | $26,972 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,536 | $42,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,209 | $51,339▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $84 (0.25%). Thornton's median is +9.14% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $20,290,Thornton spans $28,732. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($32,669 effective) pays 3.57% more than Thornton ($31,545 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $32,669)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,122/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,339)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Fort Collins grew -31.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -44.8% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$47,020 (2021) → $32,289 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$58,656 (2024) → $32,371 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Thornton as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Fort Collins vs Thornton?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov