Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Centennial, CO: $25,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Centennial, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,235 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Centennial's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,033 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Centennial, Colorado, can anticipate an entry-level salary around $25,235 in 2026. This starting figure presents a tangible contrast to the city median annual salary of $36,676, indicating that there is significant room for salary growth as one gains experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level coders can aim to increase their compensation through diligent work and professional development, reaching up to $30,019 as they establish themselves in the industry. Centennial is currently positioned as a viable market for new grads entering this profession, with a steady demand for medical billing and coding specialists and the potential for competitive salaries that surpass the national median salary of $30,349 by approximately 20.85%.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Centennial
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centennial
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Centennial, CO typically start between $25,235 and $30,019 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,612 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,676 — 20.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 15.85% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,235/year) in Centennial. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Centennial
- 1Research the Centennial market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,235 to $30,019, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Centennial, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Centennial for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Centennial's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Centennial is $31,612 ( 125.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,235, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,847.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,617
2025 BLS Actual
$24,663
2026 Current Est.
$25,235
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Centennial (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,838 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,663 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,821 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Centennial, CO grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,617 in 2021 to $24,663 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,821. New graduates entering the Centennial job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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.
Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Centennial
In terms of employment opportunities, various organizations in Centennial actively recruit recent graduates for entry-level roles, particularly third-party coding companies and coding audit teams. Many healthcare systems and outpatient surgical centers favor certified billing and coding professionals with credentials such as AAPC's CPC-A or AHIMA's CCS-P for outpatient coding. Building skills in key areas like ICD-10-CM and CPT updates, as well as pursuing continuing education, can significantly enhance starting pay in Colorado. Moreover, the trend toward remote work has shifted the landscape, with 80% of coding positions being available remotely. For those beginning their careers, focusing on in-demand subspecialties like risk adjustment coding can yield higher growth rates in salary during the first few years. Entry-level professionals should prepare for a gradual increase in pay and responsibilities, ensuring they stay current with the evolving medical coding standards and practices.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Centennial. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Centennial 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 billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
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