Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Pueblo, CO: $32,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,587 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,513 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,774) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding field in Pueblo, Colorado, can expect a starting medical coder salary around $32,587, which falls at the 10th percentile of projected earnings for 2026. This entry-level figure represents a tangible entry point into a profession that has a median salary of $39,774 for the area, indicating a gap of approximately $7,187 that early-career professionals will gradually close as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, ambitious coders can anticipate their earnings to grow from the initial P10 figure towards the 25th percentile salary of $37,596, positioning themselves closer to the local median. Given the positive growth trajectory of 2.32% annually and the overall strong demand for skilled medical coders in Pueblo, it is a good market for new graduates to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level medical coders in Pueblo, CO typically start between $32,587 and $37,596 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,594 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,774 — 4.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Colorado of $4,000 represents just 12.27% of the starting medical coder pay ($32,587/year) in Pueblo. 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 accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
CPC, CCS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $32,587 to $37,596, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical coding field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Coder Compensation Range
The medical coder wage spread in Pueblo is $27,594 ( 84.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,587, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,181.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,430
2025 BLS Actual
$31,848
2026 Current Est.
$32,587
2021–2027 Growth
+13.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Pueblo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,343 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew 8.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,430 in 2021 to $31,848 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,343. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 coding Career in Pueblo
Employers in Pueblo that typically hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs tailored to entry-level staff. To increase starting pay, candidates may benefit from obtaining state licensure along with advanced certifications recognized by the national coding body, which enhances employability and earnings potential. Typically, within the first one to three years of their careers, entry-level coders can expect salary increases that reflect both local demand and their growing expertise, as compensation tends to vary significantly based on employer type and geographic market. This market context indicates that proactive engagement in continuing education and networking within the community can yield realistic salary growth, fostering a successful career in medical coding in Pueblo, CO.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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 coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov