Medical Coder Pay

Piscataway vs Trenton: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Piscataway, NJ
$38,364
$18.45/hr
Trenton, NJ
$47,959
$23.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPiscataway, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$38,364$47,959
Hourly Rate$18.45$23.06
Entry Level (P10)$26,634$29,558
25th Percentile$31,496$39,045
75th Percentile$49,105$57,054
Top Earner (P90)$59,464$69,267
Total Employed14170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Piscataway ($38,364) and Trenton ($47,959) medical coder salaries.PiscatawayTrentonMedian Salary$38,364$47,959Entry Level (P10)$26,634$29,558Top Earner (P90)$59,464$69,267US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Piscataway and Trenton is $9,595 (25.01%). Trenton's median is +14.57% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Piscataway spans $32,830,Trenton spans $39,709. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Piscataway
P10 (Entry)$26,634
P25$31,496
Median$38,364
P75$49,105
P90 (Top)$59,464
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$29,558
P25$39,045
Median$47,959
P75$57,054
P90 (Top)$69,267

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($46,481 effective) pays 39.57% more than Piscataway ($33,302 effective).

Piscataway
Nominal: $38,364
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $33,302
Trenton
Nominal: $47,959
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $46,481

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Piscataway if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,959/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($69,267)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,481)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Piscataway grew -45.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -23.4% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Piscataway, NJ

+-45.4%

$68,733 (2024) → $37,494 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+-23.4%

$61,160 (2021) → $46,872 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Piscataway or Trenton?

Trenton has a higher median medical coder salary at $47,959/year, compared to Piscataway at $38,364/year — a difference of $9,595 (25.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Piscataway and Trenton?

Piscataway medical coders earn $18.45/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $23.06/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Piscataway and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Piscataway = $33,302, Trenton = $46,481), job availability (14 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $26,634 in Piscataway and $29,558 in Trenton. The Trenton 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