Medical Coder Pay

Conway vs Fayetteville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Conway, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Conway, AR
$33,473
$16.09/hr
Fayetteville, AR
$39,921
$19.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConway, ARFayetteville, AR
Median Salary$33,473$39,921
Hourly Rate$16.09$19.20
Entry Level (P10)$24,541$28,813
25th Percentile$28,457$30,925
75th Percentile$42,309$48,835
Top Earner (P90)$51,883$53,346
Total Employed14290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Conway ($33,473) and Fayetteville ($39,921) medical coder salaries.ConwayFayettevilleMedian Salary$33,473$39,921Entry Level (P10)$24,541$28,813Top Earner (P90)$51,883$53,346US Median $41,861

Verdict

Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.

The salary gap between Conway and Fayetteville is $6,448 (19.26%). Fayetteville's median is -4.63% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $27,342,Fayetteville spans $24,533. Conway has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Conway
P10 (Entry)$24,541
P25$28,457
Median$33,473
P75$42,309
P90 (Top)$51,883
Fayetteville
P10 (Entry)$28,813
P25$30,925
Median$39,921
P75$48,835
P90 (Top)$53,346

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($43,700 effective) pays 13.45% more than Conway ($38,519 effective).

Conway
Nominal: $33,473
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $38,519
Fayetteville
Nominal: $39,921
CoL Index: 91.353
Adjusted: $43,700

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Conway if…

  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Fayetteville if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,921/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($53,346)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,700)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Conway grew -2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.

Conway, AR

+-2.9%

$33,681 (2024) → $32,714 (2025)

Fayetteville, AR

+4.7%

$37,270 (2021) → $39,016 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Conway or Fayetteville?

Fayetteville has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,921/year, compared to Conway at $33,473/year — a difference of $6,448 (19.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Fayetteville?

Conway medical coders earn $16.09/hr while Fayetteville hygienists earn $19.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Conway to Fayetteville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Conway and Fayetteville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Conway = $38,519, Fayetteville = $43,700), job availability (14 vs 290 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Conway vs Fayetteville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $24,541 in Conway and $28,813 in Fayetteville. The Fayetteville area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

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