Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lafayette, CO: $22,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Lafayette, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,238 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lafayette's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $21,179 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($31,560) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical billing and coding field in Lafayette, Colorado, prospects look promising, albeit with varying expectations in salary. In 2026, new graduates can anticipate starting salaries around $22,238, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $31,560. This initial disparity may seem daunting, but as early-career specialists gain experience and potentially move toward the 25th percentile earning of $27,972 within a few years, their financial outlook improves. Given Lafayette's current job market dynamics and projected growth rate of 2.32%, this area offers a conducive environment for newcomers, especially those who stay informed and adaptable in the evolving world of medical coding.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lafayette
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 Lafayette
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lafayette, CO typically start between $22,238 and $27,972 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,679 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $31,560 — 3.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 17.99% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,238/year) in Lafayette. 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 Lafayette
- 1Research the Lafayette market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,238 to $27,972, 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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lafayette'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 Lafayette is $26,679 ( 119.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,238, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,917.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,287
2025 BLS Actual
$21,734
2026 Current Est.
$22,238
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lafayette (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,287 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $20,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,754 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Lafayette, CO grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,287 in 2021 to $21,734 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,754. New graduates entering the Lafayette job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Employers in Lafayette hiring entry-level professionals include diverse healthcare settings. Third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams actively recruit newly certified CPC-A coders by providing structured mentorship, while local physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers often create roles for entry-level coders as well. To enhance new grad medical billing and coding specialist pay in Colorado, attaining credentials such as AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS can be beneficial. Strategies for the first few years often require ongoing education in coding standards, especially with the transition to approximately 80% remote work and a growing demand in risk adjustment coding linked to Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplaces. Realistically, early-career specialists in Lafayette may see incremental salary increases as they enhance their skill set and experience, leading to greater opportunities and better compensation over time.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Lafayette in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Lafayette?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Lafayette?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Lafayette?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Lafayette. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lafayette 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