Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Montclair, NJ: $14,826 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Montclair, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $14,826 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montclair's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,870 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($20,078) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montclair, New Jersey, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in 2026 is projected at a low range of $14,826, significantly under the city median of $20,078. This gap highlights that new graduates might face initial financial constraints as they enter the field. However, there is an upward trajectory as they gain experience; within the first three to five years, salaries can increase as they move from the 10th percentile at $14,826 to the 25th percentile at $17,913, before reaching the city’s median salary. For those contemplating a career in this sector, Montclair currently presents a viable market, with consistent growth expected at an annual rate of 2.32% in the coming years.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montclair
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 Montclair
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Montclair, NJ typically start between $14,826 and $17,913 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,461 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $20,078 — 33.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New Jersey of $5,500 represents just 37.10% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($14,826/year) in Montclair. 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 Montclair
- 1Research the Montclair market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $14,826 to $17,913, 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 Montclair, 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 Montclair for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Montclair'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 Montclair is $15,461 ( 104.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $14,826, experienced hygienists can earn up to $30,287.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$11,525
2025 BLS Actual
$14,490
2026 Current Est.
$14,826
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Montclair (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11,525 | Actual |
| 2022 | $12,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $13,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $14,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14,826 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15,170 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Montclair, NJ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $11,525 in 2021 to $14,490 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $15,170. New graduates entering the Montclair job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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 Montclair
In Montclair, several types of employers hire new grads in medical billing and coding. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are among the main sources of entry-level positions. These roles often target candidates with certifications like AAPC's CPC-A or AHIMA's CCS. The shift toward remote work—around 80% post-2020—has opened doors for entry-level professionals, making it feasible to work from home while keeping skills updated. As coding evolves, particularly in areas like risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) coding, new coders should commit to ongoing education and skill refinement, especially in ICD-10-CM and CPT updates. Over the first few years, entry-level coders can expect realistic salary growth as they build experience and expand their credentials within this stable yet dynamic field in New Jersey.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Montclair in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Montclair?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Montclair?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Montclair?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in New Jersey?
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
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 Montclair. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montclair 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