Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Brick, NJ: $14,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Brick, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $14,512 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brick's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,597 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($20,421) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist in Brick, New Jersey can expect a starting annual salary around $14,512. This figure is significantly below the city’s median salary of $20,421, indicating a challenging start for newcomers in this field. Over the first few years, there is potential for growth as salaries may rise from the entry-level mark through the 25th percentile at $17,079, and eventually towards the median. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32% per year, Brick presents both opportunities and challenges for new coders. Those willing to gain experience and certifications may find the market rewarding, especially as the local economy evolves and adapts to the shift toward remote work.
About the Brick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brick
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 Brick
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Brick, NJ typically start between $14,512 and $17,079 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,141 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $20,421 — 32.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New Jersey of $5,500 represents just 37.90% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($14,512/year) in Brick. 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 AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brick
- 1Research the Brick market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $14,512 to $17,079, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brick, 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 Brick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Brick'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 Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Brick is $17,141 ( 118.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $14,512, experienced hygienists can earn up to $31,653.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$11,281
2025 BLS Actual
$14,183
2026 Current Est.
$14,512
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Brick (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $12,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $13,447 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $14,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14,849 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Brick, NJ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $11,281 in 2021 to $14,183 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $14,849. New graduates entering the Brick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brick 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 billing and coding Career in Brick
As Brick hosts various healthcare facilities looking for fresh talent, employers such as third-party coding companies and coding audit teams actively recruit certified apprentice coders who are eager to learn. New grads should consider obtaining credentials like the AAPC CPC-A or AHIMA CCS, as these can substantially enhance initial pay and job prospects in New Jersey. With so many roles now being remote, continuous education has become essential — especially regarding updates to ICD-10-CM and CPT coding. The highest growth area within coding is related to risk adjustment and HCC coding, crucial for healthcare systems managing Medicare and ACA plans. As new coders acclimate to their environment, salary expectations should adjust upward modestly in years one to three, providing promising pathways for ongoing professional development and financial success.
More salary data for Brick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty 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 billing and 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 Brick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brick 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 billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov