Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $15.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Van Buren, AR runs $15.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $31,327 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,797 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical coders in Van Buren, Arkansas earn a median hourly pay of $15.06, which is considerably lower than the national median of $20.13. This wage can affect part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day-a-week schedule, as they may find it challenging to meet their financial goals with earnings generated from this hourly rate. For entry-level coders, hourly wages typically begin around $11.97, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $23.00 per hour. These figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the local market conditions specific to Van Buren, where only a small number of coders are currently employed.
About the Van Buren Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.97 | $95.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.37 | $106.99 |
| Median (P50) | $15.06 | $120.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.91 | $151.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.00 | $184.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $15.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.06/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $31,328 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,074. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $602.46 | $2,611 | $31,328 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $361.48 | $1,566 | $18,797 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $240.98 | $1,044 | $12,531 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Van Buren) | $15.06 |
| 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 Coders in Van Buren, AR earn a median of $31,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $33,758.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $15.06/hr = $18,797/year (purchasing power: $21,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $31,328/year (purchasing power: $36,051).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$13.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.06/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Van Buren (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $13.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Van Buren grew 9.6% from $13.43/hr (2021) to $14.72/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Van Buren 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 Coder in Van Buren
Exploring part-time work in this field, a medical coder working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home around $18,900 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem positions, which often pay a premium, can be appealing, as rates frequently exceed standard staff pay rates by 10-25%, offering a financial incentive for coders seeking flexibility. Variations in hourly wages across employer types are apparent in Van Buren; private practices may offer different compensation compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Many coders face a trade-off between securing a higher hourly wage without benefits versus lower hourly compensation paired with health insurance. When negotiating, potential employees in Van Buren should consider the complete compensation package and be prepared to discuss their value within the hiring market, given local rates and benefits on offer.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding 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 coders in Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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 coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov