Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $20.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Durango, CO runs $20.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,284 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, Colorado, medical coders can expect a median hourly pay of $20.26, which slightly surpasses the national median of $20.13. This rate offers competitive options for both full-time positions and part-time or per-diem workers. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield approximately $31,000 annually based on the median, which provides a flexible avenue for income. Entry-level positions typically start around $16.43 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $30.61 per hour, reflecting a robust range of opportunities within this essential healthcare role. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data collected and projected from the previous year, providing a solid foundation for understanding anticipated compensation in 2026.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.43 | $131.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.22 | $145.79 |
| Median (P50) | $20.26 | $162.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.47 | $195.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.61 | $244.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $20.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.26/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $42,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,311. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $810.37 | $3,512 | $42,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $486.22 | $2,107 | $25,284 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.15 | $1,405 | $16,856 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Durango) | $20.26 |
| 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 Coders in Durango, CO earn a median of $42,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $44,981.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.26/hr = $25,284/year (purchasing power: $24,080).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,139/year (purchasing power: $40,133).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$18.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.26/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Durango (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Durango grew 9.6% from $18.07/hr (2021) to $19.80/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Coder in Durango
When looking at the earning potential for part-time medical coders in Durango, those working approximately 24 hours per week will find their annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The allure of per diem positions often comes with higher initial pay rates, typically ranging from 10-25% more than standard W-2 roles, which can be an attractive option for those who prioritize flexibility over traditional benefits. Employers vary widely across the healthcare landscape in Durango—from private practices to large healthcare systems and community health centers—resulting in fluctuating pay scales. Many coders may choose jobs with lower hourly rates due to comprehensive benefits like health insurance, weighing the immediate financial trade-off against long-term security. For those in search of the best medical coder hourly pay in Durango, negotiating skills are paramount; being aware of the average compensation for the specific sector can empower candidates to ask for what they deserve amidst a shifting employment market.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Durango?
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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.
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 coders in Durango. 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 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 coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov