Medical Coder Salary in Brighton, CO: $42,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Brighton, CO earns a median $42,875/year (≈ $20.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $40,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, Colorado, the medical coder salary is projected to be $42,875 for 2026, which positions it slightly above the national median of $41,861, reflecting a 2.42% increase. The salary range for medical coders in this area varies significantly, from $32,684 at the 10th percentile to as high as $66,457 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations. As the demand for skilled medical coders continues to grow, Brighton's relatively competitive wage structure suggests a positive outlook for those entering or advancing in this field.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,684 | $15.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,216 | $17.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,875 | $20.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,433 | $26.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,457 | $31.95 |
Median Salary Position
2.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,773 (2026 est.). At $42,875, the local median is 2.42% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Medical Coder Pay Compares
Brighton median: $42,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $44,990 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | +2.42% more |
Medical Coders in Brighton, CO earn a median of $42,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.42% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $44,990.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,875 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $40,833 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,232
2025 BLS Actual
$41,903
2026 Current Est.
$42,875
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Brighton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,658 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,047 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,870 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $38,232 (2021) to $41,903 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,870 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,638 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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) | $32,684 – $37,216 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,216 – $42,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,875 – $54,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,433 – $66,457 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Brighton
While there are only seven medical coders currently employed in Brighton, the cost of living index stands at 105, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average. This context is crucial for understanding take-home pay and purchasing power in the area. Typically, larger healthcare organizations tend to offer higher compensation compared to community health centers or private practices. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, specialized certifications, and benefits packages can create disparities in pay among employers. To maximize earnings within the Brighton market, aspiring medical coders should consider obtaining specialty credentials and looking for opportunities in larger institutions where pay tends to be more favorable.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Brighton, CO in 2026?
Is Brighton, CO a good place to work as a medical coder?
Can medical coders make $100K in Brighton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in Brighton?
How much does a medical coder make per hour in Brighton?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
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 $41,903 for medical codersin the Brighton 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 Brighton 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