Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Benton, AR: $23,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Benton, AR earns a median $23,971/year (≈ $11.52/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 $27,585 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the projected median salary for a medical billing and coding specialist stands at $23,971 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $30,349. The pay range varies significantly, spanning from $17,274 at the 10th percentile to as high as $36,504 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates that take into account BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. While the local salary figures may seem modest compared to the national average, they shed light on the current demand for skilled professionals in different specialties, including inpatient CCS roles, which generally command higher pay compared to outpatient CPC and risk adjustment positions.
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) | $17,274 | $8.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20,143 | $9.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $23,971 | $11.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29,789 | $14.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36,504 | $17.55 |
Median Salary Position
21.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,230 (2026 est.). At $23,971, the local median is 21.02% below the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Benton median: $23,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $24,460 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -21.02% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Benton, AR earn a median of $23,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.02% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $24,460.
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 billing and coding specialist earning $23,971 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $27,585 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$21,375
2025 BLS Actual
$23,427
2026 Current Est.
$23,971
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,375 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,613 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,346 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,427 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,527 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $21,375 (2021) to $23,427 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $24,527 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,152 (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) | $17,274 – $20,143 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $20,143 – $23,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $23,971 – $29,789 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $29,789 – $36,504 |
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 Benton
In examining Benton’s job market, it’s evident that there are currently only five medical billing and coding specialists employed in the area, indicating a tight labor pool. Coupled with the city's cost-of-living index of 86.9, this puts pressure on the take-home purchasing power of these professionals. Employers such as hospital inpatient coding departments and third-party coding companies may offer better pay, driven by specialty variations and the demand for credential stacking, particularly among those combining CPC, CCS, and CRC certifications. The disparity in compensation can also result from factors like productivity bonuses and whether the work is performed remotely or in-office. To maximize earnings potential in Benton AR, professionals should consider obtaining multiple credentials and focusing on high-demand coding specialties such as risk adjustment to enhance bargaining power in this competitive yet limited market.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $23,427 for medical billing and coding specialistsin 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 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