Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Erie, CO: $23,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Erie, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,787 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Erie's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,654 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($32,266) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Erie, Colorado, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $23,787. Although this figure is relatively low when compared to the city's median annual salary of $32,266, it reflects the typical starting pay for entry-level positions. New professionals in this role can anticipate a steady trajectory of wage growth, moving from $27,510 at the 25th percentile to eventually reaching the median salary within their first few years of work. With the healthcare industry's continued expansion and a projected growth rate of 2.32%, Erie remains a promising market for new graduates in the medical billing and coding sector; those willing to enhance their skills and obtain relevant certifications will find ample opportunities for advancement.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Erie
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 Erie
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Erie, CO typically start between $23,787 and $27,510 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,838 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $32,266 — 6.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 16.82% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,787/year) in Erie. 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 Erie
- 1Research the Erie market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,787 to $27,510, 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 Erie, 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 Erie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Erie'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 Erie is $24,838 ( 104.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,787, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,625.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,492
2025 BLS Actual
$23,248
2026 Current Est.
$23,787
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Erie (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,042 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,339 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Erie, CO grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,492 in 2021 to $23,248 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,339. New graduates entering the Erie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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 Erie
In Erie, local employers seeking entry-level medical billing and coding specialists often include third-party coding companies, physician group practices, and outpatient ASCs. Many of these organizations offer structured mentorship to new graduates, especially those holding certifications such as AAPC CPC-A or AHIMA CCS, which can significantly improve starting pay in Colorado. As the industry increasingly shifts toward remote work, new coders must remain adaptable and committed to continuous education, particularly in essential coding updates and risk adjustment. For newly credentialed professionals, the first 1-3 years are critical in building skills in high-demand subspecialties like HCC coding, offering high potential for salary increases. Realistically, individuals in this space can expect a gradual elevation in earnings as they gain experience, align their credentials with industry standards, and deepen their expertise in coding practices.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Erie 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