Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Golden, CO: $30,015 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Golden, CO earns a median $30,015/year (≈ $14.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $28,586 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Golden can expect to earn a median annual salary of $30,015, reflecting a slight dip of 1.10% compared to the national median of $30,349. The local salary range spans from $23,399 at the 10th percentile to $45,287 at the 90th percentile, offering a nuanced view of compensation in this field. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, account for regional cost adjustments in Golden, where the cost of living index is slightly elevated at 105 compared to the national average. With the rise of remote work standards that became common following the pandemic, the compensation picture has widened, allowing for a more competitive landscape in medical billing and coding. This dynamic is particularly relevant as job opportunities in the area provide unique advantages for individuals seeking to enhance their careers in this field.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,399 | $11.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26,334 | $12.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $30,015 | $14.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37,401 | $17.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,287 | $21.77 |
Median Salary Position
1.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,888 (2026 est.). At $30,015, the local median is 1.1% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Golden median: $30,015/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $32,625 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -1.10% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Golden, CO earn a median of $30,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $32,625.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $30,015 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $28,586 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$26,764
2025 BLS Actual
$29,334
2026 Current Est.
$30,015
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Golden (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,015 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,711 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $26,764 (2021) to $29,334 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $30,711 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,947 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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) | $23,399 – $26,334 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $26,334 – $30,015 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $30,015 – $37,401 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $37,401 – $45,287 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Golden
The employment landscape for medical billing and coding specialists in Golden is relatively compact, with only six specialists currently working in the area. However, this small number does not diminish the prospects for growth. Local employers include physician group practices, hospital inpatient coding departments, and remote coding roles in third-party firms, all of which can significantly impact salaries. Given the cost-of-living reality, those in Golden need to be strategic about maximizing their earning potential; factors such as specialty areas—like inpatient coding that commands higher pay, credential stacking, and productivity bonuses—can create income disparities. For specialists looking to boost their pay, focusing on areas like risk adjustment coding or obtaining multiple credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA could make a substantial difference. Understanding the specific demands of local employers will aid in navigating the job market efficiently, ultimately enhancing prospects for those considering a career in medical billing and coding in Golden, CO.
More salary data for Golden, 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
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 $29,334 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Golden 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 Golden 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 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