Medical Coder Pay

Newark vs Piscataway: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Newark, NJ and Piscataway, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$50,161
$24.12/hr
Piscataway, NJ
$38,364
$18.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPiscataway, NJ
Median Salary$50,161$38,364
Hourly Rate$24.12$18.45
Entry Level (P10)$32,940$26,634
25th Percentile$42,953$31,496
75th Percentile$64,207$49,105
Top Earner (P90)$77,750$59,464
Total Employed6114
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($50,161) and Piscataway ($38,364) medical coder salaries.NewarkPiscatawayMedian Salary$50,161$38,364Entry Level (P10)$32,940$26,634Top Earner (P90)$77,750$59,464US Median $41,861

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Piscataway.

The salary gap between Newark and Piscataway is $11,797 (30.75%). Newark's median is +19.83% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $44,810,Piscataway spans $32,830. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$32,940
P25$42,953
Median$50,161
P75$64,207
P90 (Top)$77,750
Piscataway
P10 (Entry)$26,634
P25$31,496
Median$38,364
P75$49,105
P90 (Top)$59,464

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($43,543 effective) pays 30.75% more than Piscataway ($33,302 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $50,161
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $43,543
Piscataway
Nominal: $38,364
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $33,302

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,161/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($77,750)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,543)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Piscataway if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Newark grew -32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -45.4% growth in Piscataway over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-32.6%

$72,683 (2024) → $49,024 (2025)

Piscataway, NJ

+-45.4%

$68,733 (2024) → $37,494 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Newark or Piscataway?

Newark has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,161/year, compared to Piscataway at $38,364/year — a difference of $11,797 (30.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Piscataway?

Newark medical coders earn $24.12/hr while Piscataway hygienists earn $18.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Piscataway as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Piscataway. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $43,543, Piscataway = $33,302), job availability (61 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Newark vs Piscataway?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,940 in Newark and $26,634 in Piscataway. The Newark 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