Medical Coder Pay

Newark vs Woodbridge: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Newark, NJ
$50,161
$24.12/hr
Woodbridge, NJ
$39,102
$18.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJWoodbridge, NJ
Median Salary$50,161$39,102
Hourly Rate$24.12$18.80
Entry Level (P10)$32,940$26,555
25th Percentile$42,953$34,064
75th Percentile$64,207$50,050
Top Earner (P90)$77,750$60,607
Total Employed6125
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($50,161) and Woodbridge ($39,102) medical coder salaries.NewarkWoodbridgeMedian Salary$50,161$39,102Entry Level (P10)$32,940$26,555Top Earner (P90)$77,750$60,607US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Woodbridge is $11,059 (28.28%). 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,Woodbridge spans $34,052. 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
Woodbridge
P10 (Entry)$26,555
P25$34,064
Median$39,102
P75$50,050
P90 (Top)$60,607

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($43,543 effective) pays 28.28% more than Woodbridge ($33,943 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $50,161
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $43,543
Woodbridge
Nominal: $39,102
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $33,943

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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-32.6%

$72,683 (2024) → $49,024 (2025)

Woodbridge, NJ

+-45.4%

$70,054 (2024) → $38,215 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Newark or Woodbridge?

Newark has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,161/year, compared to Woodbridge at $39,102/year — a difference of $11,059 (28.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Woodbridge?

Newark medical coders earn $24.12/hr while Woodbridge hygienists earn $18.80/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Woodbridge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $43,543, Woodbridge = $33,943), job availability (61 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,940 in Newark and $26,555 in Woodbridge. 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