Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Kearny, NJ: $29,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Kearny, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,313 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kearny's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,322) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field in Kearny, NJ, the entry-level medical coder salary is expected to start at around $29,313 in 2026. This initial pay represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $37,322, indicating that new graduates may need a few years to reach that middle ground. As early-career professionals gain experience, many can anticipate moving toward a salary range that includes $33,062 at the 25th percentile over their first few years, bridging the gap between their starting salary and the overall city average. The projected growth trajectory in this sector, with a 2.32% annual growth rate, suggests that Kearny offers a moderately favorable job market for fresh coders looking to establish their careers.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kearny
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 Kearny
Entry-level medical coders in Kearny, NJ typically start between $29,313 and $33,062 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,537 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,322 — 10.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in New Jersey of $5,500 represents just 18.76% of the starting medical coder pay ($29,313/year) in Kearny. 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 Kearny
- 1Research the Kearny market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $29,313 to $33,062, 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 Kearny, 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 Kearny for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kearny'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 Kearny is $28,537 ( 97.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,313, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,850.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,787
2025 BLS Actual
$28,648
2026 Current Est.
$29,313
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Kearny (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,161 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,993 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Kearny, NJ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,787 in 2021 to $28,648 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,993. New graduates entering the Kearny job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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 Kearny
Employers in Kearny that actively hire new graduates include major hospital systems and corporate group practices known for their structured onboarding processes. These organizations often provide a pathway for entry-level coders to advance as they gain experience and enhance their qualifications. In New Jersey, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional certifications from recognized national bodies can significantly elevate starting medical coder pay. The first few years in this profession will see varying compensation levels based on the employer type and the coder's mix of credentials. Realistically, new grad medical coder pay in NJ could increase progressively within the initial years as individuals gain hands-on experience, refinement in coding abilities, and additional certifications, allowing them to align closer to the 75th percentile salary of $45,837 in the future.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Kearny in 2026?
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Is medical coding school worth it in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny 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