Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Windsor, CO: $23,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,592 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,469 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($32,185) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For newcomers entering the medical billing and coding field in Windsor, Colorado, the projected starting medical billing and coding specialist salary for 2026 is around $23,592, which is significantly below the city median of $32,185. This gap highlights a common experience for early-career professionals, where initial earnings might feel modest as they begin their journey. However, expectations should remain optimistic, as new graduates can anticipate meaningful salary growth within the first few years. By reaching the 25th percentile salary of $27,340, professionals may find themselves moving closer to the median in just 3-5 years. The current state of Windsor's job market is favorable for new graduates, offering opportunities for initial positions and a steady trajectory for salary advancement as they gain experience.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Windsor, CO typically start between $23,592 and $27,340 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,890 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $32,185 — 6.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 16.95% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,592/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,592 to $27,340, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $25,890 ( 109.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,592, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,482.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,340
2025 BLS Actual
$23,057
2026 Current Est.
$23,592
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Windsor (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,861 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,057 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,139 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,340 in 2021 to $23,057 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,139. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, various employers welcome fresh talent for entry-level medical coding roles. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often seek certified professional coders with apprentice credentials (CPC-A) and structured mentorship programs. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) offer positions for entry-level coders, while roles in hospital inpatient coding necessitate a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification. To enhance their starting pay in Colorado, new graduates should consider obtaining relevant credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA, with options ranging from the CPC (outpatient) to the CCS-P (physician). As remote work has become prevalent in the industry, focusing on continuous learning and staying updated with coding conventions, particularly in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, is vital. Graduates can realistically expect their earnings to grow significantly over the first few years, positioning themselves for success as they transition from novice roles to more advanced positions in a field that is increasingly leaning towards remote work and specialization.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Windsor?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Windsor?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Windsor?
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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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