Medical Coder Pay

Boulder vs Loveland: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Boulder, CO and Loveland, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boulder, CO
$47,706
$22.94/hr
Loveland, CO
$44,477
$21.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, COLoveland, CO
Median Salary$47,706$44,477
Hourly Rate$22.94$21.38
Entry Level (P10)$38,685$32,416
25th Percentile$40,175$37,668
75th Percentile$50,120$56,074
Top Earner (P90)$58,977$68,940
Total Employed13017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($47,706) and Loveland ($44,477) medical coder salaries.BoulderLovelandMedian Salary$47,706$44,477Entry Level (P10)$38,685$32,416Top Earner (P90)$58,977$68,940US Median $41,861

Verdict

Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Loveland.

The salary gap between Boulder and Loveland is $3,229 (7.26%). Boulder's median is +13.96% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $20,292,Loveland spans $36,524. Loveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Boulder
P10 (Entry)$38,685
P25$40,175
Median$47,706
P75$50,120
P90 (Top)$58,977
Loveland
P10 (Entry)$32,416
P25$37,668
Median$44,477
P75$56,074
P90 (Top)$68,940

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($45,347 effective) pays 7.05% more than Loveland ($42,359 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $47,706
CoL Index: 105.202
Adjusted: $45,347
Loveland
Nominal: $44,477
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $42,359

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boulder if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,706/year)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,347)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Loveland if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($68,940)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Boulder grew -1.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -22.1% growth in Loveland over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+-1.9%

$47,510 (2021) → $46,624 (2025)

Loveland, CO

+-22.1%

$55,803 (2024) → $43,469 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Boulder or Loveland?

Boulder has a higher median medical coder salary at $47,706/year, compared to Loveland at $44,477/year — a difference of $3,229 (7.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Loveland?

Boulder medical coders earn $22.94/hr while Loveland hygienists earn $21.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boulder to Loveland as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Loveland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $45,347, Loveland = $42,359), job availability (130 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Boulder vs Loveland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $38,685 in Boulder and $32,416 in Loveland. The Boulder area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC

Career Analyst

Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov