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New Jersey’s healthcare scene thrives on the meticulous work of medical billing and coding specialists. Their critical role in ensuring smooth financial flow translates to a dynamic salary landscape. But before you dive into training, understand the Garden State’s distinct pay patterns to navigate your career path with confidence.
From bustling hospitals to quaint clinics, diverse healthcare settings offer a spectrum of opportunities for your coding expertise. This essential career lets you choose your path, and knowing the salary landscape empowers you to make informed decisions about your education and future earnings.
Snapshot of medical billing and coding in NJ
New Jersey boasts a robust workforce of approximately 2,980 medical billing and coding professionals. For a small state with a small population of medical billers and coders, the salary is surprisingly strong. These dedicated individuals earn a median hourly wage of $28, and the job market predicts substantial growth in the coming decade, with 8.5%. Leading employers include renowned hospitals and companies such as:
- Hackensack University Medical Center:
- Hackensack, NJ. Ranked the number one hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report.
- Morristown Medical Center:
- Morristown, NJ. A non-profit research and academic medical center serving northern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.
- The Valley Hospital:
- Ridgewood, NJ. A fully accredited, acute-care and not-for-profit hospital with a full array of emergency, inpatient and outpatient services.
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:
- New Brunswick, NJ. A “leader in advancing state-of-the-art care,” the facility has received national acclaim for being a leading healthcare service hospital.
- Cooper University Health Care:
- Camden, NJ. A leading provider of healthcare services, medical education and clinical research serving Southern New Jersey.
Medical billing and coding salary New Jersey statistics
Within the healthcare data management domain, encompassing medical billers and coders, the median annual compensation approximates $48,780. However, this figure exhibits marked variability contingent upon several external factors. These influential elements include geographical location, accumulated industry experience, acquired professional credentials and the depth of one’s medical billing and coding training.
Median medical biller and coder salary in NJ
The median annual salary for medical billing and coding professionals in New Jersey stands at $58,520. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that salaries fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the extent of medical billing and coding training, industry and geographic location within the state.
Medical Records Specialists
10%$40,900
25%$47,930
50%$58,520Median
75%$77,190
90%$91,480
Median Hourly Wage$28
Job growth8.5%
Total Employment2,980
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $61,380 | $38,180 | $80,760 |
| Trenton, NJ | $57,750 | $43,840 | $83,430 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $51,230 | $38,030 | $100,250 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $51,000 | $44,570 | $101,070 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for medical billers and coders in New Jersey
The salary spectrum for medical billers and coders in New Jersey, from the lowest 10% to the highest 90% according to the BLS, spans from $40,900 to $91,480 annually. This range accommodates both entry-level positions and senior-level roles, accounting for the variables that can influence pay mentioned above.
Employment by NJ metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Gain a broader perspective on compensation across metro areas in the U.S. and how New Jersey compares. Of note is metro areas in New Jersey rank number two and seven for highest number of medical billers and coders employed in U.S. metropolitan areas.
Salary growth and job outlook for NJ
With a job growth rate of 8.5% through 2032 and a median national average of $48,780, medical billers and coders’ future appears promising. New Jersey holds even more promise due to the large number of universities and hospitals in the state. And with an annual median wage that’s much higher than the national median listed above, salaries compensate for a 13% higher cost of living than the national average.
Factors affecting medical biller and coder salaries in New Jersey
Numerous factors shape salary potentials within the medical billing and coding field in New Jersey. These include in part:
- Experience:
- Your years of experience in the medical billing and coding industry can significantly influence your earning capacity. Novice professionals may start with a lower salary, while those with extensive experience can command higher compensation.
- Education and certifications:
- Your level of education and relevant certifications can also contribute to your salary. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications often translate to increased earning potential.
- Industry and company size:
- The industry you work in and the size of the employing company can impact salary ranges. Certain industries offer more competitive compensation, and larger companies generally have greater resources to provide higher salaries.
- Geographic location and cost of living:
- Salaries can vary considerably based on your specific location within New Jersey. Urban areas and regions with higher living costs typically offer higher salaries to offset the increased expenses. Considering the cost of living is essential when evaluating salary offers and opportunities.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical biller or coder in NJ?
There are a couple ways to assess if you’re being paid fairly. Consider the following if you have any concerns about your salary:
- Do some research online. Research job sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed and Payscale to see what the salary averages are in your city and New Jersey state. Use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find median pay for other cities, nearby states and at a national level.
- Look at your work environment. Do you see other people getting bonuses or have additional benefits, such as time off, while you don’t? Is it possible that they may be receiving more pay for doing the exact job? Consider how long each of you has worked in your current role and the duties and responsibilities of the job that each of you performs.
- Be transparent with management. If you believe a wage imbalance exists between you and a co-worker who does the exact same job, ask your employer about it. It’s always best to be transparent, and you should try and use the correct channels. Some employers frown on employees sharing wage and benefits data with each other, while some may encourage open communication, so assess your company’s policy before making waves.
There are federal laws that protect workers in regard to pay and all states have some form of equal opportunity in employment legislation, and New Jersey’s Civil Service Commission / Division of Equal Employment Opportunity enforces the state’s New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act.
New Jersey education and training
Educational prerequisites for medical billing and coding students in New Jersey can vary depending on the specific role and employer. Nevertheless, a standard educational pathway might include:
- High School Diploma/GED: Get your base covered!
- Pick your flavor:
- Fast Start: Certificate program – learn the basics quickly.
- Deeper Dive: Associate degree – more knowledge, more options.
- Master the Code: Learn medical language and how to code procedures.
- Get Certified: Pass nationally recognized exams (CCA, CCS, CPC) – show off your skills!
- HIPAA Hero: Learn patient privacy rules like HIPAA – protect everyone.
- Keep Learning: Stay updated on new codes and trends through continuous education.
Bonus: Talk to experienced coders, join events, and get some hands-on experience – get ready to rock!
Cost of living considerations for NJ
When considering medical biller and coder salaries across New Jersey, it’s essential to account for the cost of living. Housing, transportation, healthcare and other expenses can fluctuate across it’s cities and regions. Understanding an area’s cost of living may help align salaries with local expenses, aiding in more informed decisions about job prospects or possible relocations.
RentCafe states New Jersey is 13% higher on average as far as cost of living than other states. Housing in New Jersey is 31% higher than the national average, so knowing which cities provide ample employment opportunities and affordable housing and essentials is critical. Of the four largest cities in the state, only Vineland is below the national average at -4%. Middlesex, Morristown and Newark are all at least 10% above the national cost of living average.
NJ-specific professional associations and networking
Connecting with other medical billers and coders through professional associations, networking groups or industry events is a great way to learn new skills and find potential opportunities. These resources facilitate local connections, offer access to valuable resources and keep you informed about industry developments within the state and at a national level.
- New Jersey Health Information Management Association: NJHIMA is the state chapter of the national organization, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Members can participate in coding roundtables, conferences, meetups and earn CEUs.
- New Jersey HIMSS Chapter: The NJ chapter of the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (NJHIMSS) is a consortium of healthcare professionals, providers and vendors who are committed to promoting constant improvement in the use of information technology within the healthcare industry.
The New Jersey medical billing and coding salary aims to furnish you with an all-encompassing understanding of the state’s salary landscape and pivotal insights into the profession. Use this guide as a foundation for making well-informed decisions regarding your career trajectory, salary negotiations and setting realistic expectations for your educational journey.
Written and reported by:
All Allied Health Schools Staff
Published: December 11, 2023