Fort Collins vs Lafayette: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,569▲ | $43,531 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.92▲ | $20.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,130▲ | $30,673 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,011▲ | $38,583 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,774 | $53,467▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,116 | $67,473▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Lafayette is $2,038 (4.68%). Fort Collins's median is +8.86% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $27,986,Lafayette spans $36,800. Lafayette has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($45,061 effective) pays 8.69% more than Lafayette ($41,458 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,569/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,061)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,473)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Fort Collins grew -5.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -23.9% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$47,020 (2021) → $44,536 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$55,890 (2024) → $42,544 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Fort Collins or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Lafayette as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Fort Collins vs Lafayette?
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
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