Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Thornton, CO: $33,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Thornton, CO earns a median $33,122/year (≈ $15.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Thornton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $31,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical billing and coding specialists in Thornton, Colorado, are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $33,122, reflecting a competitive edge over the national average of $30,349. The local salary range offers further nuance, spanning from $22,607 at the 10th percentile to $51,339 at the 90th percentile. Credential stacking, particularly acquiring advanced certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC), plays a significant role in enhancing an individual's earning potential over their career. This trend highlights a growing emphasis on specialized knowledge, which aligns well with Thornton's evolving healthcare landscape and the increasing demand for coders skilled in risk adjustment and compliance.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,607 | $10.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26,972 | $12.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $33,122 | $15.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,396 | $20.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,339 | $24.68 |
Median Salary Position
9.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thornton
In Thornton, CO, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,732 (2026 est.). At $33,122, the local median is 9.14% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thornton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thornton Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Thornton median: $33,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thornton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $32,600 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +9.14% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Thornton, CO earn a median of $33,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $32,600.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thornton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thornton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $33,122 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $31,545 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$29,535
2025 BLS Actual
$32,371
2026 Current Est.
$33,122
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Thornton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,535 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,371 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,890 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thornton metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $29,535 (2021) to $32,371 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $33,890 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,355 (14.75%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $22,607 – $26,972 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $26,972 – $33,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $33,122 – $42,396 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,396 – $51,339 |
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 Thornton
The job market in Thornton shows a steady presence with 34 medical billing and coding specialists employed, which reflects moderate local demand for these roles. Given the cost-of-living index at 105, professionals should be mindful of how this affects their purchasing power in a region above the national average. Among various employers, coding professionals may find better pay opportunities with hospital inpatient coding departments and consulting firms that often provide productivity bonuses and incentives for superior audit and compliance results. Pay disparities are largely influenced by specialization, with those holding CCS credentials typically earning higher salaries, as well as the shift towards remote coding positions that has surged since 2020. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Thornton, focusing on credential advancement and embracing remote work can significantly enhance their compensation prospects.
More salary data for Thornton, 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 $32,371 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Thornton 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 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 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