Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Wheat Ridge, CO: $15.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Wheat Ridge, CO runs $15.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $31,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Wheat Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $14.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,822 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the hourly compensation for medical billing and coding specialists stands at a median rate of $15.08, which is slightly above the national median of $14.59. This rate opens up diverse opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week, potentially allowing them to earn an appealing wage while maintaining flexibility. The per-diem model is particularly advantageous, where specialists can find work-from-home positions and flexible contracts, enhancing their earning potential. The estimated hourly range for billing and coding professionals in this area varies from $11.73 for entry-level positions to $23.38 for seasoned experts, reflecting the varying responsibilities and skill levels across settings such as hospital HIM departments, physician coding offices, and remote coding environments. Given these dynamics, the profession in Wheat Ridge can lead to interesting earnings based on individual circumstances and work choices.
About the Wheat Ridge 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) | $11.73 | $93.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.26 | $106.09 |
| Median (P50) | $15.08 | $120.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.38 | $187.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheat Ridge
Based on $15.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.08/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheat Ridge, CO can expect to earn approximately $31,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,098. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheat Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheat Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $603.28 | $2,614 | $31,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $361.97 | $1,569 | $18,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $241.31 | $1,046 | $12,548 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Wheat Ridge) | $15.08 |
| 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 Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $31,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.39% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $32,617.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $15.08/hr = $18,822/year (purchasing power: $17,926).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $31,370/year (purchasing power: $29,877).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$13.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.08/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Wheat Ridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Wheat Ridge grew 9.6% from $13.45/hr (2021) to $14.74/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.43/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 Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge
Part-time specialists working a 24-hour week, for instance, could expect to take home approximately $19,376 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The local market reveals that per diem and locum workers experience different rates; for example, those billing under 1099 may earn between $25 and $42 per hour, with inpatient coders earning $35 to $55 per hour, while specialized roles focused on risk adjustment could command $40 to $65. Hourly rates in Wheat Ridge can differ greatly depending on the type of employer, with hospital systems possibly paying lower hourly rates compared to third-party coding firms or consulting agencies that value experience more heavily. Many specialists weigh the trade-offs of hourly rates against benefits like health insurance when considering job offers, often accepting lower pay for more security. For those looking to negotiate hourly contracts, highlighting expertise in ICD-10-CM and CPT coding can provide leverage, along with an understanding of local demand driven by the ongoing shift towards remote work in the profession.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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
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 Wheat Ridge. 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 Wheat Ridge 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