Medical Coder Salary in Colorado: $47,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median medical coder pay sits at $47,293/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2072. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $45,041 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Centennial ($49,441), Denver ($48,992), Aurora ($47,916).
In 2026, medical coder salaries in Colorado are projected to average $47,293, which is significantly higher than the national median of $41,861, representing a 13.0% premium. The highest-paying city in the state is Centennial, where coders can expect to earn around $50,588, while Greeley offers the lowest at $39,553, creating a salary gap of $11,035. This difference can largely be attributed to regional cost of living variations, local demand for healthcare services, and differences in employer types across cities. Colorado has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can influence job security and salary potential. The state is experiencing a steady job market, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.32% for medical coders. The total employment figures show about 1,799 professionals in the field, with key cities like Denver ($50,129), Aurora ($49,028), Boulder ($47,706), and Arvada ($46,056) also offering competitive salaries. The demand for medical coders will likely continue to rise as healthcare regulations become more complex, making it a viable career path in the coming years.
Colorado Medical Coder Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $30,673 (lowest entry-level) to $78,729 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado medical coders earn 12.98% more than the national median (+$5,432/year difference).
Colorado Medical Coder Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical Coder salaries in Colorado range from $36,674 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $71,349 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $47,293. The Colorado median is $5,432 above the US national median of $41,861. The average hourly rate is $22.74/hr. Approximately 1,799 medical coders are employed across 33 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$47,578
2025 BLS Actual
$46,221
2026 Current Est.
$47,293
2021–2027 Growth
+1.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Colorado (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,406 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,391 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -2.9% from $47,578 (2021) to $46,221 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,391 by 2027 — a total increase of $813 (1.71%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Greeley | $39,553 |
| Grand Junction | $39,700 |
| Pueblo | $39,774 |
| Golden | $41,400 |
| Evans | $41,657 |
Best Value Cities for Medical Coders in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for medical coders.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | $50,588 | 105 | $48,179 |
| Denver | $50,129 | 105.782 | $47,389 |
| Aurora | $49,028 | 105 | $46,693 |
| Boulder | $47,706 | 105.202 | $45,347 |
| Fort Collins | $45,569 | 101.128 | $45,061 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $36,674 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $47,293 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $71,349 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centennial | $50,588 |
| 2 | Denver | $50,129 |
| 3 | Aurora | $49,028 |
| 4 | Boulder | $47,706 |
| 5 | Arvada | $46,056 |
| 6 | Thornton | $45,686 |
| 7 | Fort Collins | $45,569 |
| 8 | Westminster | $45,232 |
| 9 | Lakewood | $45,014 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | $44,980 |
| 11 | Parker | $44,585 |
| 12 | Erie | $44,505 |
| 13 | Loveland | $44,477 |
| 14 | Windsor | $44,394 |
| 15 | Castle Rock | $44,308 |
| 16 | Broomfield | $44,293 |
| 17 | Longmont | $44,279 |
| 18 | Englewood | $43,939 |
| 19 | Commerce City | $43,634 |
| 20 | Lafayette | $43,531 |
| 21 | Wheat Ridge | $43,279 |
| 22 | Brighton | $42,875 |
| 23 | Littleton | $42,732 |
| 24 | Fountain | $42,707 |
| 25 | Northglenn | $42,665 |
| 26 | Steamboat Springs | $42,415 |
| 27 | Durango | $42,148 |
| 28 | Louisville | $41,900 |
| 29 | Evans | $41,657 |
| 30 | Golden | $41,400 |
| 31 | Pueblo | $39,774 |
| 32 | Grand Junction | $39,700 |
| 33 | Greeley | $39,553 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Explore More Medical Coder Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical coders in Colorado?
How does Colorado medical coder pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical coder salary in Colorado?
How many medical coders are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for medical coders?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 medical coder compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more medical coderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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