Medical Coder Pay

Colorado Springs vs Denver: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Colorado Springs, CO
$44,980
$21.63/hr
Denver, CO
$50,129
$24.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColorado Springs, CODenver, CO
Median Salary$44,980$50,129
Hourly Rate$21.63$24.10
Entry Level (P10)$33,667$39,152
25th Percentile$39,414$44,350
75th Percentile$52,985$63,291
Top Earner (P90)$63,946$78,729
Total Employed200870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Colorado Springs ($44,980) and Denver ($50,129) medical coder salaries.Colorado SpringsDenverMedian Salary$44,980$50,129Entry Level (P10)$33,667$39,152Top Earner (P90)$63,946$78,729US Median $41,861

Verdict

Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.

The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $5,149 (11.45%). Denver's median is +19.75% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $30,279,Denver spans $39,577. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Colorado Springs
P10 (Entry)$33,667
P25$39,414
Median$44,980
P75$52,985
P90 (Top)$63,946
Denver
P10 (Entry)$39,152
P25$44,350
Median$50,129
P75$63,291
P90 (Top)$78,729

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($47,389 effective) pays 6.10% more than Colorado Springs ($44,664 effective).

Colorado Springs
Nominal: $44,980
CoL Index: 100.707
Adjusted: $44,664
Denver
Nominal: $50,129
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $47,389

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Colorado Springs if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Denver if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,129/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,729)
  • Larger job market (870 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,389)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Colorado Springs grew -7.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Denver over the same period.

Colorado Springs, CO

+-7.8%

$47,670 (2021) → $43,960 (2025)

Denver, CO

+1.3%

$48,350 (2021) → $48,992 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Colorado Springs or Denver?

Denver has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,129/year, compared to Colorado Springs at $44,980/year — a difference of $5,149 (11.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Denver?

Colorado Springs medical coders earn $21.63/hr while Denver hygienists earn $24.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Denver as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Colorado Springs and Denver. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Colorado Springs = $44,664, Denver = $47,389), job availability (200 vs 870 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Colorado Springs vs Denver?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $33,667 in Colorado Springs and $39,152 in Denver. The Denver area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov