Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Denver, CO: $28,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Denver, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,385 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denver's local price level (BEA RPP 105.8 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,833 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,343) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

With starting salaries for entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Denver projected at around $28,385 in 2026, new graduates should set realistic expectations for their first roles. This figure is significantly below the overall median salary for the occupation in the city, which stands at $36,343, representing a considerable gap that early-career coders will need to bridge through experience and skill development. Within the first few years, the potential to increase earnings exists, with wages expected to rise as entry-level professionals gain experience and can reach as high as $32,153 at the 25th percentile. Given the current job market for medical billing and coding in Denver, which is bolstered by a favorable growth rate of 2.32% annually, enthusiasts entering the field can find themselves in a promising position that encourages further learning and upward movement in salary.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denver
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 Denver
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Denver, CO typically start between $28,385 and $32,153 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,693 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,343 — 19.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 14.09% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($28,385/year) in Denver. 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 Denver
- 1Research the Denver market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $28,385 to $32,153, 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 Denver, 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 Denver for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denver'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 Denver is $28,693 ( 101.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,385, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,078.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$37,160
2025 BLS Actual
$27,741
2026 Current Est.
$28,385
2021–2027 Growth
+-21.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Denver (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,043 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Denver, CO grew -25.3% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,160 in 2021 to $27,741 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,043. New graduates entering the Denver job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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 Denver
Organizations across Denver are increasingly seeking to hire newly credentialed medical billing and coding specialists, particularly through third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that offer structured mentorship for those with the CPC-A (apprentice) designation. Other available opportunities often arise within outpatient ASCs and physician group practices eager to fill entry-level CPC roles. Pursuing additional credentials such as the AAPC’s CPC or AHIMA’s CCS can further enhance starting pay in Colorado, while proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS remains vital due to the rapidly changing coding landscape. The shift toward remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has also expanded job flexibility, positioning risk adjustment and HCC coding as high-growth areas. As new coders embark on their careers, they can anticipate gradual salary increases, typically progressing from around the first percentile to a more competitive pay bracket within three years as they continue to develop their skills and adapt to industry demands.
More salary data for Denver, 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 Denver. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 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