Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $21.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Thornton, CO runs $21.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,686 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,416 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the prevailing medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $21.97 per hour in 2026. This figure outpaces the national median hourly rate of $20.13, presenting an advantageous pay scale for local medical coders. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this translates into a decent income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly wage spans a range from $14.99 for entry-level professionals to $34.04 for the highest earners, illustrating the spectrum of experience and specialization in the field. As these rates are derived from annual salary data, they effectively capture the earning potential across varying employment settings commonly found in Thornton, including hospitals and outpatient clinics.
About the Thornton 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) | $14.99 | $119.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.89 | $143.08 |
| Median (P50) | $21.97 | $175.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.12 | $224.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.04 | $272.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $21.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.97/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $45,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,362. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $878.72 | $3,808 | $45,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $527.23 | $2,285 | $27,416 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.49 | $1,523 | $18,277 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Thornton) | $21.97 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $45,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $44,966.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.97/hr = $27,416/year (purchasing power: $26,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,694/year (purchasing power: $43,518).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$19.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.97/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Thornton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Thornton grew 9.6% from $19.59/hr (2021) to $21.47/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.48/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
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Looking at the specifics of part-time employment, a medical coder working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $27,113 annually, which is a significant but structured income in the context of flexible work arrangements. For medical coders considering per diem opportunities, the allure often lies in higher pay rates, usually 10-25% above standard staff wages, which reflects the urgency and demand for qualified professionals on short notice. Variations in hourly rates also depend on whether the coder is employed in private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics, with larger institutions often offering better compensation packages. While some coders may opt for positions with lower hourly pay that include health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates that come without benefits. Those negotiating hourly rates in Thornton can make a compelling case by emphasizing market rates and detailing their specific expertise, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their skills.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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