Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Pueblo, CO: $23,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,626 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,747 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,836) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Pueblo, Colorado, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be around $23,626 in 2026. This entry-level pay falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $28,836, suggesting that while the potential for growth exists, new coders will need to gain experience to bridge the gap. Over the first few years in the profession, salaries are expected to rise, moving towards the 25th percentile figure of approximately $27,257 as professionals develop their skills and acquire relevant certifications. Given its slower growth at an annual rate of 2.32%, Pueblo represents a moderately competitive market for recent graduates, with entry-level prospects that require strategic planning for accelerated salary growth.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Pueblo, CO typically start between $23,626 and $27,257 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,005 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,836 — 4.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 16.93% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,626/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,626 to $27,257, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo's below-average 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 Pueblo is $20,005 ( 84.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,626, experienced hygienists can earn up to $43,631.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,430
2025 BLS Actual
$23,090
2026 Current Est.
$23,626
2021–2027 Growth
+-17.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pueblo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,174 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew -21.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,430 in 2021 to $23,090 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,174. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 Pueblo
In Pueblo, employers such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently hire entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, particularly those with CPC-A (apprentice) designations that offer structured mentorship programs. Additionally, local physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers provide ample entry Point opportunities yet may favor those with some foundational training or credentialing. Obtaining certifications through recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA can significantly impact starting pay, with credentials like the CPC or CCS enhancing prospects. With industry trends shifting to nearly 80% remote work, new coders must prioritize continuous education on coding updates such as ICD-10-CM and CPT changes. Those focusing on high-demand specialties like risk adjustment or HCC coding will find the best career growth within their first three years, with salary increases becoming more realistic as they establish their presence in this evolving field.
More salary data for Pueblo, 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 Pueblo. 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