Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Camden, NJ: $28,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Camden, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,947 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camden's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,128 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,711) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those entering the medical coding field in Camden, New Jersey, can expect a starting medical coder salary around $28,947 in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $39,711, indicating a significant gap for newcomers. However, early-career professionals in this role have the potential to grow their income over the first few years, with salaries projected to rise to approximately $33,636 at the 25th percentile and closer to the median as they gain experience. Given the projected 2.32% annual growth rate in this field, Camden remains a viable market for new graduates considering a career in medical coding, especially with ongoing demand in healthcare services.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camden
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 Camden
Entry-level medical coders in Camden, NJ typically start between $28,947 and $33,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,606 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,711 — 5.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in New Jersey of $5,500 represents just 19.00% of the starting medical coder pay ($28,947/year) in Camden. 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 Camden
- 1Research the Camden market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $28,947 to $33,636, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camden, 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 Camden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Camden's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Coder Compensation Range
The medical coder wage spread in Camden is $32,606 ( 112.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,947, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,553.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,503
2025 BLS Actual
$28,291
2026 Current Est.
$28,947
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Camden (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,823 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,924 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,619 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Camden, NJ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,503 in 2021 to $28,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,619. New graduates entering the Camden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden 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 Camden
Several employers in Camden actively seek new graduates in medical coding, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. For entry-level positions, possessing relevant credentials such as state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications can further elevate starting pay rates in New Jersey. In the first one to three years, salary growth can vary widely, influenced by the type of organization and the specific geographical region. New coders should anticipate realistic increases in their compensation as they build experience and credentials, ultimately aligning more closely with the higher-end salary figures for their field as their career progresses.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Camden in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Camden?
Is medical coding school worth it in Camden?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Camden?
How do I become a medical coder in New Jersey?
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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 Camden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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