Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Loveland, CO: $23,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Loveland, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,502 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Loveland's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,383 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($32,246) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Loveland, Colorado, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is expected to be around $23,502 in 2026. For new graduates entering the field, this figure is a realistic first-year expectation, especially when compared to the median annual salary in the city of $32,246. The journey from this starting point can lead to significant salary growth as one gains experience. Over a span of three to five years, many can anticipate moving through the salary tiers, with prospects of reaching the P25 threshold of $27,309 and beyond toward the city median. Loveland currently presents a suitable market for entry-level positions, providing opportunities for those just launching their careers in this essential healthcare sector.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Loveland
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 Loveland
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Loveland, CO typically start between $23,502 and $27,309 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,479 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $32,246 — 6.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 17.02% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,502/year) in Loveland. 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 Loveland
- 1Research the Loveland market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,502 to $27,309, 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 Loveland, 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 Loveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Loveland'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 Loveland is $26,479 ( 112.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,502, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,981.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,270
2025 BLS Actual
$22,969
2026 Current Est.
$23,502
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Loveland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,777 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,047 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Loveland, CO grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,270 in 2021 to $22,969 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,047. New graduates entering the Loveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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 Loveland
In Loveland, various employers recognize the potential of fresh talent, offering a range of entry roles designed for recent graduates. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams actively seek out new coders with CPC-A credentials, offering mentorship to facilitate a smooth transition into the field. In addition, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers often provide entry-level positions, although hospital inpatient coding typically requires a CCS certification for those looking to advance in that environment. Gaining certifications such as AAPC's CPC or CCS-P from AHIMA can enhance new grad medical billing and coding specialist pay in CO, serving as valuable assets for those eager to increase their earning potential. With the industry now shifting heavily toward remote work, new coders must commit to continuous learning, especially regarding the ICD-10-CM standards and the latest CPT updates. Moreover, risk adjustment and HCC coding represents a rapidly growing subspecialty, offering significant opportunities for career advancement and salary increases in the first three years.
More salary data for Loveland, 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 Loveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Loveland 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