Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Boulder, CO: $34,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Boulder, CO earns a median $34,586/year (≈ $16.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $32,876 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, 2026 estimates for medical billing and coding specialist salary highlight a median annual income of $34,586, which reflects a competitive edge compared to the national average of $30,349. Salary variation ranges from $28,047 at the 10th percentile to $42,759 at the 90th percentile, signaling a diverse job market for professionals within this field. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and underscores the potential for higher earnings in Boulder, especially for individuals who pursue credential stacking. By obtaining credentials such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), professionals can enhance their earning potential significantly throughout their careers. The combination of these credentials often opens doors to specialty roles, increasing both job satisfaction and financial compensation in Boulder's competitive healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,047 | $13.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,126 | $14.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,586 | $16.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,337 | $17.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42,759 | $20.56 |
Median Salary Position
13.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,712 (2026 est.). At $34,586, the local median is 13.96% above the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Boulder median: $34,586/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $32,598 | +6.10% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +13.96% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Boulder, CO earn a median of $34,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.96% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 6.10% above the Colorado state average of $32,598.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,586 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $32,876 — a 4.94% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$47,510
2025 BLS Actual
$33,802
2026 Current Est.
$34,586
2021–2027 Growth
+-25.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Boulder (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,389 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew -28.9% from $47,510 (2021) to $33,802 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $-12,121 (-25.51%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $28,047 – $29,126 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,126 – $34,586 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,586 – $36,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,337 – $42,759 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Boulder
Within Boulder, the job market for medical billing and coding specialists is robust, with approximately 130 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the city's cost of living index of 105.202 indicates that take-home pay may not stretch as far as it would in other regions. Employers such as hospital inpatient coding departments and physician group practice coding offices tend to offer the highest wages, while remote work opportunities with third-party coding companies are gaining traction. The pay disparity among specialists is influenced by factors such as specialty focus, with inpatient coding roles generally commanding higher salaries than outpatient positions. Additionally, professionals holding a mix of certifications might see a pay premium, along with those who take on audit and compliance roles that come with added responsibilities. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Boulder, pursuing advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding, and considering productivity bonuses will be critical strategies to increase their earning potential in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Boulder, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $33,802 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Boulder metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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