Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Paterson, NJ: $20,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Paterson, NJ earns a median $20,263/year (≈ $9.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Paterson's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $17,589 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Paterson, NJ, the 2026 median salary is projected to be $20,263. This figure reflects local estimates that account for regional cost adjustments and presents a salary range from $14,904 at the 10th percentile to $31,408 at the 90th percentile. While the pay in Paterson falls significantly short compared to the national median of $30,349, it remains a viable option for those entering the field or looking to specialize. Understanding that inpatient CCS roles typically command higher pay compared to outpatient CPC positions and risk adjustment coding helps potential professionals gauge where their skills might best fit within the local job market.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14,904 | $7.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17,314 | $8.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $20,263 | $9.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25,937 | $12.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31,408 | $15.10 |
Median Salary Position
33.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paterson
In Paterson, NJ, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,504 (2026 est.). At $20,263, the local median is 33.23% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paterson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paterson Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Paterson median: $20,263/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paterson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $20,284 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -33.23% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $20,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.23% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $20,284.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paterson has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paterson, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $20,263 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $17,589 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$18,069
2025 BLS Actual
$19,804
2026 Current Est.
$20,263
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Paterson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,069 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $18,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $19,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,734 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paterson metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $18,069 (2021) to $19,804 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $20,734 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,665 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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) | $14,904 – $17,314 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $17,314 – $20,263 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $20,263 – $25,937 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $25,937 – $31,408 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Paterson
The job market for medical billing and coding specialists in Paterson is relatively stable, with approximately 31 individuals employed in this profession. However, living in an area with a cost-of-living index of 115.2 means that take-home pay may stretch less than desired for many professionals. Employers such as physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments are likely to offer the highest compensation, while remote positions with third-party coding companies provide flexibility that is appealing to many. The variation in pay often stems from specialty areas, with inpatient CCS roles generally yielding more than outpatient CPC or risk adjustment coding. Additionally, those stacking credentials—like CPC with CCS and CRC—may access higher earnings. To maximize pay, it’s advisable for specialists in Paterson to pursue ongoing education and seek positions that offer productivity bonuses or remote options, enhancing both income potential and work-life balance.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in Paterson, NJ in 2026?
Is Paterson, NJ a good place to work as a medical billing and coding specialist?
Can medical billing and coding specialists make $100K in Paterson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical billing and coding specialist salary in Paterson?
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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
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 $19,804 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Paterson 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 Paterson 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