Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Durango, CO: $30,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Durango, CO earns a median $30,557/year (≈ $14.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $29,102 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning a solid professional credential can significantly impact a medical billing and coding specialist's salary in Durango, Colorado. In 2026, the projected median annual salary is $30,557, which is slightly above the national median of $30,349. Local estimates reveal a salary range from $24,774 at the 10th percentile to $46,165 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying positions and expertise levels within the field. Credentials such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) not only enhance job prospects but can also lead to considerable earnings over a professional's lifetime. Given Durango's unique healthcare market and limited pool of 5 employed specialists in this field, those with robust certifications will find themselves better positioned to negotiate salaries reflective of their skills.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,774 | $11.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27,479 | $13.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $30,557 | $14.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36,916 | $17.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,165 | $22.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,391 (2026 est.). At $30,557, the local median is 0.69% above the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Durango median: $30,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $32,611 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +0.69% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Durango, CO earn a median of $30,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $32,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $30,557 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $29,102 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$27,248
2025 BLS Actual
$29,864
2026 Current Est.
$30,557
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Durango (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,266 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $27,248 (2021) to $29,864 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $31,266 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,018 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $24,774 – $27,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $27,479 – $30,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $30,557 – $36,916 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $36,916 – $46,165 |
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 Durango
Employers in Durango are keen to fill vacancies, utilizing a broad spectrum of workforce options ranging from in-office positions at physician group practices to remote roles with third-party coding companies. The cost of living in Durango, indexed at 105, implies that while salaries may be slightly above average, the purchasing power could be affected, requiring professionals to strategically assess job offers and benefits. Pay disparities in the area arise from various factors, such as the complexity of the coding specialty—where inpatient coding generally demands higher pay compared to outpatient roles—and the importance of credential stacking to maximize earnings. Additionally, factors like productivity bonuses and remote work options add layers to compensation. For those entering the market, targeting high-demand specialties within coding, such as risk adjustment, and obtaining multiple certifications can facilitate better compensation and job stability in the evolving landscape of healthcare employment.
More salary data for Durango, 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 $29,864 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Durango 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
Salary data for Durango 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