Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Greeley, CO: $23,346 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Greeley, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,346 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Greeley's local price level (BEA RPP 100.2 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,305 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Greeley, Colorado, the 2026 estimates reflect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of approximately $23,346, which indicates a gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $28,676. This entry-level pay represents what many new coders can realistically expect as they begin their careers, with opportunities for growth evident in the progression from basic entry-level positions toward the median after a few years of experience. With an annual growth rate of 2.32%, individuals can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile salary of $25,305 within their first few years as they gain skills, refine their understanding of coding practices, and prove their value in the workforce. Considering Greeley's evolving employment landscape, it appears to be a promising market for those just starting their journeys in medical billing and coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Greeley
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greeley
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Greeley, CO typically start between $23,346 and $25,305 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,315 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,676 — 5.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 17.13% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,346/year) in Greeley. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Greeley
- 1Research the Greeley market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,346 to $25,305, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Greeley, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Greeley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Greeley's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Greeley is $14,315 ( 61.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,346, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,661.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,330
2025 BLS Actual
$22,817
2026 Current Est.
$23,346
2021–2027 Growth
+-18.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Greeley (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,817 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,346 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,888 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Greeley, CO grew -22.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,330 in 2021 to $22,817 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,888. New graduates entering the Greeley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greeley 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.
Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Greeley
In Greeley, organizations such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams actively seek to onboard new graduates who have pursued foundational credentials like the AAPC CPC-A or AHIMA CCS certifications. Physicians’ group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers also lend valuable entry-level opportunities, offering structured training for apprentice coders. To enhance starting pay and career advancement options, new professionals should consider expanding their knowledge through specialized continuing education, focusing on areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding—both of which are on the rise due to ongoing healthcare reforms and Medicare Advantage expansion. Given that the medical coding industry has transitioned significantly towards remote work, embracing continuous learning and adaptability to quarterly updates in ICD-10-CM and CPT code sets will be crucial in the early years. Those who take these steps can expect a gradual increase in pay over their first few years in this dynamic field, as their skills become more specialized and relevant to high-demand roles within the industry.
More salary data for Greeley, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Greeley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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 billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov