Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Bentonville, AR: $22,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Bentonville, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,797 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bentonville's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,234 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,341) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical coding field in Bentonville, Arkansas can expect an entry-level medical coder salary that starts around $22,797. This figure is significantly below the city median salary of $33,341, reflecting a typical entry point as these professionals begin their careers. Many new coders will likely find themselves in the lower pay range for the first few years, with the potential to reach the 25th percentile salary of $29,110 as they gain experience. As salaries gradually increase, those who stay within the Bentonville market can anticipate moving toward the median over the course of three to five years, making it a realistic environment for fresh graduates to establish their careers in medical coding.
About the Bentonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bentonville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bentonville
Entry-level medical coders in Bentonville, AR typically start between $22,797 and $29,110 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,656 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,341 — 20.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Arkansas of $2,200 represents just 9.65% of the starting medical coder pay ($22,797/year) in Bentonville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
CPC, CCS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bentonville
- 1Research the Bentonville market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $22,797 to $29,110, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical coding field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bentonville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bentonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bentonville's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Coder Compensation Range
The medical coder wage spread in Bentonville is $28,656 ( 125.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,797, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,722
2025 BLS Actual
$22,280
2026 Current Est.
$22,797
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Bentonville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,722 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,124 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,086 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,326 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Bentonville, AR grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,722 in 2021 to $22,280 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,326. New graduates entering the Bentonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bentonville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical coding Career in Bentonville
From an employment perspective, several healthcare institutions, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Bentonville, actively seek new grad medical coders and provide structured onboarding programs. Holding appropriate credentials enhances starting pay, and pursuing advanced certifications endorsed by the profession’s national body can make candidates even more attractive to employers. In this competitive job market, the first one to three years are critical for skill development and networking in the industry. Salary growth during this period can vary considerably depending on factors such as employer type and geographical location, but those who leverage additional credentials may experience stronger advancement in their earnings, making the journey from an entry-level position toward a more advanced role in medical coding attainable.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Bentonville in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Bentonville?
Is medical coding school worth it in Bentonville?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Bentonville?
How do I become a medical coder in Arkansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bentonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bentonville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov