Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lakewood, CO: $32,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Lakewood, CO earns a median $32,635/year (≈ $15.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $31,081 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For medical billing and coding specialists in Lakewood, Colorado, the projected median annual salary in 2026 reaches $32,635, surpassing the national median of $30,349 by 7.53%. Salaries in this region span from $24,076 at the 10th percentile to as high as $50,584 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments reflect the importance of credential stacking along career paths. Specialists with certifications such as CPC (Certified Professional Coder), CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), and CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder) typically command higher lifetime earnings. As Lakewood continues to foster opportunities in the healthcare sector, prepared professionals with advanced credentials can position themselves advantageously against a backdrop of increasing demand for medical coding expertise.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,076 | $11.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27,941 | $13.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $32,635 | $15.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,773 | $20.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,584 | $24.32 |
Median Salary Position
7.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,508 (2026 est.). At $32,635, the local median is 7.53% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $32,635/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $32,602 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +7.53% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $32,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.53% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $32,602.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $32,635 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $31,081 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$29,101
2025 BLS Actual
$31,895
2026 Current Est.
$32,635
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lakewood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,101 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,793 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,392 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $29,101 (2021) to $31,895 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $33,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,291 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $24,076 – $27,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $27,941 – $32,635 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $32,635 – $41,773 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,773 – $50,584 |
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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, the local employment scene for medical billing and coding specialists comprises about 27 professionals, indicating a niche but stable market for this career. With a cost of living index at 105, the median salary offers a practical purchasing power that aligns closely with local economic conditions. Major employers include physician group practices and hospitals, while remote coding positions with third-party coding companies are becoming increasingly prevalent. Factors such as specialty focus—especially in inpatient coding (CCS)—and the accumulation of credentials significantly influence wage disparities. Understanding trends like the growth of risk adjustment and HCC coding can provide insights into market demands. To maximize earning potential, specialists should continuously seek additional certifications, embrace remote work options, and aim for roles that offer productivity bonuses, ensuring they remain competitive in an evolving landscape of medical coding.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $31,895 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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