Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $18.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Plainfield, NJ runs $18.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $16.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,100 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, New Jersey, medical coders earn a median hourly rate of $18.51, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $20.13. This figure represents the expected income for full-time coders, but it also has implications for part-time and per-diem workers. For example, a medical coder working three days a week could take home a respectable income while maintaining flexibility in their schedule. The hourly pay range in Plainfield varies significantly, from $12.89 for entry-level positions to $28.69 for experienced coders, reflecting the broader pay spectrum found in clinical settings where these professionals often work.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.89 | $103.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.29 | $122.29 |
| Median (P50) | $18.51 | $148.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.92 | $183.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.69 | $229.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $18.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.51/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $38,500 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,212. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $740.39 | $3,208 | $38,500 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $444.23 | $1,925 | $23,100 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $296.16 | $1,283 | $15,400 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Plainfield) | $18.51 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Coders in Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $38,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.01% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $38,584.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.51/hr = $23,100/year (purchasing power: $20,052).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,500/year (purchasing power: $33,420).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$16.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.51/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Plainfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Plainfield grew 9.6% from $16.51/hr (2021) to $18.09/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Coder in Plainfield
For those employed part-time in Plainfield, the financial reality changes. A medical coder working 24 hours per week would realize an annual income significantly lower than a full-time counterpart, but still may find the trade-offs worthwhile. Per diem medical coder pay in Plainfield typically enhances earnings by around 10-25% above standard hourly rates, encouraging many coders to opt for agency roles where flexibility is more prevalent. Coders in different settings—such as private practices, community health centers, and larger healthcare institutions—might face varied pay structures influenced by employer benefits. Some coders may accept lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance and consistent work, while others prioritize higher pay and choose positions that offer no additional benefits. Practical negotiation strategies, like leveraging local market rates when discussing salary, can lead to better compensation for hourly workers.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Plainfield?
Are medical coders in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Plainfield?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical coders in Plainfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plainfield 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