Medical Coder Pay

Fayetteville vs Searcy: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Fayetteville, AR
$39,921
$19.20/hr
Searcy, AR
$32,132
$15.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFayetteville, ARSearcy, AR
Median Salary$39,921$32,132
Hourly Rate$19.20$15.45
Entry Level (P10)$28,813$24,190
25th Percentile$30,925$27,542
75th Percentile$48,835$38,734
Top Earner (P90)$53,346$46,490
Total Employed2905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fayetteville ($39,921) and Searcy ($32,132) medical coder salaries.FayettevilleSearcyMedian Salary$39,921$32,132Entry Level (P10)$28,813$24,190Top Earner (P90)$53,346$46,490US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Fayetteville and Searcy is $7,789 (24.24%). 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 Fayetteville spans $24,533,Searcy spans $22,300. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fayetteville
P10 (Entry)$28,813
P25$30,925
Median$39,921
P75$48,835
P90 (Top)$53,346
Searcy
P10 (Entry)$24,190
P25$27,542
Median$32,132
P75$38,734
P90 (Top)$46,490

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($43,700 effective) pays 18.18% more than Searcy ($36,976 effective).

Fayetteville
Nominal: $39,921
CoL Index: 91.353
Adjusted: $43,700
Searcy
Nominal: $32,132
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $36,976

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Searcy if…

  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Fayetteville grew 4.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -5.1% growth in Searcy over the same period.

Fayetteville, AR

+4.7%

$37,270 (2021) → $39,016 (2025)

Searcy, AR

+-5.1%

$33,094 (2024) → $31,403 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Fayetteville or Searcy?

Fayetteville has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,921/year, compared to Searcy at $32,132/year — a difference of $7,789 (24.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Searcy?

Fayetteville medical coders earn $19.20/hr while Searcy hygienists earn $15.45/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fayetteville and Searcy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fayetteville = $43,700, Searcy = $36,976), job availability (290 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,813 in Fayetteville and $24,190 in Searcy. 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