Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $17.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Princeton, NJ runs $17.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,462 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 $14.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,274 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Princeton, New Jersey, the medical billing and coding specialist hourly pay is projected to reach $17.05 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $14.59. This favorable hourly rate is especially appealing for those seeking part-time or per-diem work, where they can adapt their schedules to work three days a week in various settings, such as remote home offices or local hospital HIM departments. As an entry-level specialist, one could expect to earn around $12.64 an hour, while top earners could command up to $25.64, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the profession. The hourly rates for specialists in Princeton are guided by annual salary figures but provide significant insight into the market's expectations for coders across different work environments.
About the Princeton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.64 | $101.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.53 | $116.24 |
| Median (P50) | $17.05 | $136.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.05 | $168.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.64 | $205.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $17.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.05/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $35,457 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,456. 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) | $681.86 | $2,955 | $35,457 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $409.12 | $1,773 | $21,274 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $272.74 | $1,182 | $14,183 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Princeton) | $17.05 |
| 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 Billing and Coding Specialists in Princeton, NJ earn a median of $35,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.85% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 74.90% above the New Jersey state average of $20,276.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.05/hr = $21,274/year (purchasing power: $18,467).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,457/year (purchasing power: $30,778).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Princeton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Princeton grew 9.6% from $15.20/hr (2021) to $16.66/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists 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 Billing and Coding Specialist in Princeton
Part-time medical billing and coding specialists working a 24-hour week can expect to see substantial annual earnings, around $38,216, compared to a full-time commitment. Meanwhile, the per diem medical billing and coding specialist pay in Princeton can vary significantly, with many 1099 coders billing between $25 and $42 per hour. High-demand areas like inpatient coding can see CCS coders earning $35 to $55 per hour, while specialists focusing on Medicare Advantage risk adjustment often command rates upwards of $40 to $65. Hourly rates differ depending on the type of employer, with physician group practices or third-party coding companies often offering different compensation packages. Those weighing the benefits of full-time employment against freelance opportunities must consider the trade-off between higher pay and potential benefits like health insurance. Negotiating effectively involves understanding the particular nuances of the Princeton job market, such as the regional cost of living, which can support higher wages for skilled specialists.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Princeton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical billing and coding specialists make in Princeton?
Are medical billing and coding specialists in Princeton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical billing and coding specialist make per year in Princeton?
Do medical billing and coding specialists earn more per hour working part-time in Princeton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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
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 billing and coding specialists 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 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