Medical Coder Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $38,933 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $38,933/year (≈ $18.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $33,796 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the medical coder salary in Elizabeth, NJ, is projected to be $38,933, which is slightly below the national median of $41,861. The salary range for medical coders in this area spans from $29,074 at the lower end (P10) to $60,346 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, reveal a competitive but nuanced wage environment. Elizabeth's medical coders may find varied opportunities based on employer type, affecting potential earnings, job stability, and growth prospects within the local job market.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,074 | $13.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,718 | $16.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,933 | $18.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,834 | $23.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,346 | $29.01 |
Median Salary Position
6.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,272 (2026 est.). At $38,933, the local median is 6.99% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Medical Coder Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $38,933/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $38,585 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | -6.99% less |
Medical Coders in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $38,933 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.99% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $38,585.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $38,933 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $33,796 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$34,717
2025 BLS Actual
$38,050
2026 Current Est.
$38,933
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Elizabeth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,104 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,294 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,933 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,836 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $34,717 (2021) to $38,050 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,119 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,074 – $33,718 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,718 – $38,933 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,933 – $49,834 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,834 – $60,346 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Elizabeth
With 25 medical coders currently employed in Elizabeth, the local job market offers a supportive environment for professionals in this field. However, aspiring coders should be mindful of the cost of living in the area, which has a CoL index of 115.2, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average. Employers that typically offer the highest medical coder pay in Elizabeth NJ include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, possibly due to their resources and patient volume. Factors driving the salary variation include shift differentials, specialized credentials, and employer size; these elements can significantly impact overall compensation. To maximize pay in this specific market, coders are advised to consider obtaining advanced certifications, gaining experience in specialized fields, and pursuing roles with larger institutions that may offer enhanced benefits packages.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical coders make $100K in Elizabeth?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,050 for medical codersin the Elizabeth metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elizabeth 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