Medical Coder Pay

Little Rock vs Searcy: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Little Rock, AR
$34,199
$16.44/hr
Searcy, AR
$32,132
$15.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLittle Rock, ARSearcy, AR
Median Salary$34,199$32,132
Hourly Rate$16.44$15.45
Entry Level (P10)$28,551$24,190
25th Percentile$29,943$27,542
75th Percentile$40,699$38,734
Top Earner (P90)$54,336$46,490
Total Employed6705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Little Rock ($34,199) and Searcy ($32,132) medical coder salaries.Little RockSearcyMedian Salary$34,199$32,132Entry Level (P10)$28,551$24,190Top Earner (P90)$54,336$46,490US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Little Rock and Searcy is $2,067 (6.43%). 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 Little Rock spans $25,785,Searcy spans $22,300. Little Rock has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Little Rock
P10 (Entry)$28,551
P25$29,943
Median$34,199
P75$40,699
P90 (Top)$54,336
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, Little Rock ($38,269 effective) pays 3.50% more than Searcy ($36,976 effective).

Little Rock
Nominal: $34,199
CoL Index: 89.364
Adjusted: $38,269
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 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

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 Little Rock grew -27.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -5.1% growth in Searcy over the same period.

Little Rock, AR

+-27.1%

$45,840 (2021) → $33,424 (2025)

Searcy, AR

+-5.1%

$33,094 (2024) → $31,403 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Little Rock or Searcy?

Little Rock has a higher median medical coder salary at $34,199/year, compared to Searcy at $32,132/year — a difference of $2,067 (6.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Searcy?

Little Rock medical coders earn $16.44/hr while Searcy hygienists earn $15.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Little Rock to Searcy as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Little Rock and Searcy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Little Rock = $38,269, Searcy = $36,976), job availability (670 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,551 in Little Rock and $24,190 in Searcy. The Little Rock 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