Jonesboro vs Little Rock: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Jonesboro, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jonesboro, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $31,171 | $34,199▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.99 | $16.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,130 | $28,551▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,154▲ | $29,943 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,609 | $40,699▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,723 | $54,336▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Jonesboro and Little Rock is $3,028 (9.71%). Little Rock's median is -18.30% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jonesboro spans $21,593,Little Rock spans $25,785. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($38,269 effective) pays 5.43% more than Jonesboro ($36,298 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($34,199/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,336)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $38,269)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Jonesboro grew -17.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -27.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Jonesboro, AR
$36,760 (2021) → $30,464 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$45,840 (2021) → $33,424 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jonesboro, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Jonesboro or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jonesboro to Little Rock as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Jonesboro vs Little Rock?
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