Benton vs Fort Smith: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $33,063▲ | $30,303 |
| Hourly Rate | $15.90▲ | $14.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,825 | $27,127▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,783 | $28,617▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,088▲ | $34,658 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,350▲ | $49,466 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $2,760 (9.11%). Benton's median is -21.02% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $26,525,Fort Smith spans $22,339. Benton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Benton ($38,047 effective) pays 7.84% more than Fort Smith ($35,282 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,063/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,350)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $38,047)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Benton grew -5.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.6% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$34,053 (2024) → $32,313 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$35,070 (2021) → $29,616 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Benton or Fort Smith?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov