Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $23.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Princeton, NJ runs $23.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,913 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,344 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Princeton, NJ, medical coders earn a median hourly rate of $23.51, which is significantly above the national median of $20.13. This competitive hourly rate translates well for part-time workers, such as those who may take on shifts three days a week, offering the potential to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments. Entry-level medical coders can expect to earn around $17.43 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $35.37 per hour, depending on their expertise, credentials, and the complexity of their work. Though these estimates are derived from annual salary data, they clearly illustrate the growing demand for skilled medical coders in various clinical settings throughout Princeton.
About the Princeton 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) | $17.43 | $139.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.04 | $160.36 |
| Median (P50) | $23.51 | $188.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.03 | $232.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.37 | $282.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $23.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.51/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $48,907 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,216. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $940.53 | $4,076 | $48,907 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.32 | $2,445 | $29,344 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.21 | $1,630 | $19,563 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Princeton) | $23.51 |
| 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 Princeton, NJ earn a median of $48,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.85% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 26.80% above the New Jersey state average of $38,575.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.51/hr = $29,344/year (purchasing power: $25,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,907/year (purchasing power: $42,454).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.51/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Princeton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Princeton grew 9.6% from $20.97/hr (2021) to $22.98/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.06/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
Considering part-time opportunities, a medical coder working three days a week typically brings home a steady income, although their annual earnings would be significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Many choose per-diem or agency assignments, which often pay a premium—ranging from 10-25% above regular staff wages, potentially increasing their overall take-home pay. Hourly rates can differ markedly among various employer types in Princeton, with private practices generally offering less than larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics due to differences in budget and patient volume. While some coders might opt for lower hourly rates with the added security of health insurance benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits to maximize their immediate earnings. For those negotiating their hourly rates, being well-informed about local salary standards and demonstrating their skills and specialty certifications can provide an edge in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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