Medical Billing and Coding Programs in New Jersey

If you're exploring medical billing and coding programs in New Jersey, you're looking at one of the highest-paying state markets in the country. According to AAPC state data, professionals here average $70,260 per year ($33.78/hour), roughly 40% above the national BLS median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072).

That salary premium reflects New Jersey's unique position in the healthcare economy. The state has one of the highest hospital densities in the country, a major pharmaceutical industry presence (Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novo Nordisk are headquartered or have significant operations here), and close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia healthcare markets.

New Jersey's cost of living is above the national average, particularly in northern counties closest to NYC. However, central and southern New Jersey offer more moderate costs, and salary levels generally compensate. For broader context, see our national salary guide.

Despite its large healthcare sector, New Jersey doesn't currently have dedicated campus-based medical billing and coding programs in IPEDS data. Residents train through accredited online programs.

Penn Foster offers a self-paced certificate starting at $1,049 to $1,869, the most affordable option. Western Governors University provides a competency-based degree at $7,710/yr. Ultimate Medical Academy runs one of the largest MBC programs by completions. Purdue University Global offers an associate degree at about $10,080/yr. DeVry University, which has had locations in New Jersey, offers online programs at around $14,392/yr. New Jersey's workforce development programs may offer tuition assistance. See our cost guide.

Certification is a baseline expectation across New Jersey employers. The state's hospitals, insurance carriers, and pharmaceutical companies have structured hiring processes that typically require at least one recognized coding credential. AAPC's 2025 survey shows certified members earn $66,979 on average nationally, compared to $55,721 for non-certified workers.

The CPC from AAPC ($425) is the most widely recognized. The CCA from AHIMA ($199/$299) is valued in hospital settings. The CBCS from NHA (~$117) is the most affordable entry point. AAPC has active chapters in northern and central New Jersey. NJ's pharmaceutical presence creates demand for coders with specialty knowledge in clinical trial billing and drug formulary coding. See our certifications comparison.

New Jersey's average of $70,260/yr places the state among the top tier nationally. Geography matters within the state: northern counties (Bergen, Essex, Hudson) are part of the NYC metro labor market with higher wages and higher costs. Central NJ (Middlesex, Somerset, Mercer) offers a middle ground. Southern NJ, part of the Philadelphia metro, has more moderate costs while still providing access to major employers.

Nationally, AAPC members with 3+ certifications average $81,227, and those with 15+ years of experience average $76,988 (AAPC 2025). In a high-paying state like New Jersey, these figures likely trend even higher. See our salary guide for comprehensive data.

New Jersey has one of the highest hospital densities in the United States. Major health systems include RWJBarnabas Health (the state's largest), Hackensack Meridian Health, Atlantic Health System, Virtua Health, and CentraState Healthcare. The pharmaceutical sector (Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, Merck in Rahway, Novo Nordisk in Plainsboro) adds opportunities in clinical trial billing, drug coverage coding, and payer relations.

Insurance carriers like Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and AmeriHealth employ claims processing and coding review staff. The BLS projects 7% growth for medical records specialists nationally from 2024 to 2034. NJ's dense employer base and proximity to the NYC and Philadelphia markets provide above-average opportunity. For more, see our step-by-step guide.