Medical Coder Pay

Fayetteville vs Texarkana: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Fayetteville, AR
$39,921
$19.20/hr
Texarkana, AR
$28,361
$13.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFayetteville, ARTexarkana, AR
Median Salary$39,921$28,361
Hourly Rate$19.20$13.64
Entry Level (P10)$28,813$22,039
25th Percentile$30,925$24,927
75th Percentile$48,835$35,695
Top Earner (P90)$53,346$43,929
Total Employed2907
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fayetteville ($39,921) and Texarkana ($28,361) medical coder salaries.FayettevilleTexarkanaMedian Salary$39,921$28,361Entry Level (P10)$28,813$22,039Top Earner (P90)$53,346$43,929US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Fayetteville and Texarkana is $11,560 (40.76%). 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,Texarkana spans $21,890. 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
Texarkana
P10 (Entry)$22,039
P25$24,927
Median$28,361
P75$35,695
P90 (Top)$43,929

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($43,700 effective) pays 33.90% more than Texarkana ($32,636 effective).

Fayetteville
Nominal: $39,921
CoL Index: 91.353
Adjusted: $43,700
Texarkana
Nominal: $28,361
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $32,636

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 Texarkana 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 -17.1% growth in Texarkana over the same period.

Fayetteville, AR

+4.7%

$37,270 (2021) → $39,016 (2025)

Texarkana, AR

+-17.1%

$33,435 (2024) → $27,718 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Fayetteville or Texarkana?

Fayetteville has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,921/year, compared to Texarkana at $28,361/year — a difference of $11,560 (40.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Texarkana?

Fayetteville medical coders earn $19.20/hr while Texarkana hygienists earn $13.64/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fayetteville and Texarkana. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fayetteville = $43,700, Texarkana = $32,636), job availability (290 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,813 in Fayetteville and $22,039 in Texarkana. 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