Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $14.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Golden, CO runs $14.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $30,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $13.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,005 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, the hourly pay for medical billing and coding specialists is projected to average $14.43 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $14.59 per hour. This rate reflects a growing trend in part-time work arrangements, where specialists might work 24 hours a week across three days, allowing them to maintain a flexible schedule. Most professionals in this field find employment in remote home offices, hospital HIM departments, or specialized coding firms, frequently opting for an arrangement that fits their lifestyle. The hourly wage ranges from $11.24 for entry-level positions to $21.77 for experienced coders at the top of the pay scale, illustrating diverse earning potential depending on experience and location.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.24 | $89.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $12.66 | $101.26 |
| Median (P50) | $14.43 | $115.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.98 | $143.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.77 | $174.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $14.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $14.43/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $30,008 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $17,313. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $577.08 | $2,501 | $30,008 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $346.25 | $1,500 | $18,005 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $230.83 | $1,000 | $12,003 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Golden) | $14.43 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Golden, CO earn a median of $30,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $32,625.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $14.43/hr = $18,005/year (purchasing power: $17,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $30,008/year (purchasing power: $28,579).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$12.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$14.43/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Golden (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $12.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Golden grew 9.6% from $12.86/hr (2021) to $14.10/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $14.76/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Golden
Considering the realities of part-time versus full-time roles, a medical billing and coding specialist working three days a week, earning an hourly rate of $14.43, would take home approximately $18,624 annually. Per diem medical billing and coding specialists, on the other hand, can command much higher rates, often billing between $25 and $42 per hour, and even more for specialized roles such as CCS inpatient coders, who can earn up to $55 per hour. Hourly pay rates can vary significantly based on the employer type in Golden; for example, coding positions in insurance company audit teams might offer competitive compensation compared to hospital settings, where health benefits often come into play. Specialists face a choice between lower hourly rates with comprehensive health insurance and higher pay for independent, freelance opportunities. When negotiating in Golden, it’s crucial for hourly paid specialists to articulate their value and stay informed about industry standards to secure the best possible terms.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Golden in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Golden?
Are medical billing and coding specialists in Golden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Golden?
Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Golden?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Golden. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Golden 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