Medical Coder Salary in Benton, AR: $33,063 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Benton, AR earns a median $33,063/year (≈ $15.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $38,047 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for medical coders in Benton, Arkansas, is projected to be $33,063. This figure reflects a competitive landscape where salaries range from $23,825 at the lower end (P10) to $50,350 at the top end (P90). These projections are based on data estimated from 2025 BLS sources and adjusted for regional economic factors. With only five medical coders currently employed in the area, this indicates a relatively small job market, suggesting that opportunities may be limited, but competition might also be favorable for job seekers with the right qualifications and certifications.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,825 | $11.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27,783 | $13.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $33,063 | $15.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,088 | $19.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,350 | $24.21 |
Median Salary Position
21.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,525 (2026 est.). At $33,063, the local median is 21.02% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Medical Coder Pay Compares
Benton median: $33,063/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $33,737 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -21.02% less |
Medical Coders in Benton, AR earn a median of $33,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.02% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $33,737.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $33,063 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,047 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$29,482
2025 BLS Actual
$32,313
2026 Current Est.
$33,063
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,482 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,811 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,063 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,830 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $29,482 (2021) to $32,313 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $33,830 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,348 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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) | $23,825 – $27,783 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $27,783 – $33,063 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $33,063 – $41,088 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,088 – $50,350 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Benton
The local cost of living in Benton, with an index of 86.9, brings a mixed picture for medical coder pay. While wages appear lower than the national average—where medical coders earn about $41,861 annually—it's essential to consider purchasing power when examining compensation. Large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries, often complemented by attractive benefits, compared to private practices or community health centers. The gap in pay can also be influenced by factors such as shift differentials and additional credentials. For those looking to enhance their medical coder pay in Benton, pursuing certifications in specialty coding and actively applying for positions in higher-paying institutions would be strategic moves to maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Benton, 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
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 $32,313 for medical codersin the Benton 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 Benton 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