Medical Coder Pay

Senior Medical Coder Salary in Bentonville, AR: $51,453 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical coders working in Bentonville, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,453/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Bentonville's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $59,209 in average-cost America. The 54% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$51,453
Top 10% Earn
$24.74/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$41,637
75th Percentile
$51,453
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Coder Senior Salary in Bentonville, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bentonville, AR medical coder senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Bentonville, Arkansas, experienced medical coders are positioned to earn significantly more than their less seasoned counterparts, with the top earners reaching an impressive $51,453 in 2026. Those in the 75th percentile can expect a salary of $41,637, reflecting the high demand and specialized skills that come with years of experience. The median annual salary of $33,341 highlights the substantial difference between seasoned professionals and the average wage, showcasing the experience premium in this market. Reaching top-tier pay in Bentonville requires a combination of advanced certifications, long-term dedication to the field, and possibly leadership roles within healthcare organizations, making the senior medical coder a crucial asset to the medical billing process.

About the Bentonville Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bentonville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Bentonville. The median salary is $33,341, compared to the national median of $41,861.$20.5K$28.9K$37.3K$45.6K$54.0K$22.8K10th Pctl$29.1K25th Pctl$33.3KMedian$41.6K75th Pctl$51.5K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Experienced medical coders at the top of the pay scale in Bentonville earn between $41,637 and $51,453 per year (2026 est.). This $28,656 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bentonville median of $33,341 sits 20.35% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Bentonville metro area.

Top CPC, CCS Salary Comparison

LevelBentonvilleNational
Median (P50)$33,341$41,861
75th Percentile$41,637$53,059
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$51,453$66,426

In Bentonville, experienced medical coders (P90) earn 54.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Medical Coder Pay in Bentonville

1

Advanced Certifications in Arkansas

AR medical coders with additional specialty certifications within the medical coding field earn significantly above the $33,341 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bentonville employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Coders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical coding field in Bentonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $41,637–$51,453 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bentonville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical coders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical coders in Bentonville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Coders in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Medical Coder Career & Wage Growth Path in Bentonville

Clinical Medical Coder

0-5 years
$22,797 – $33,341

Senior/Lead Medical Coder

5-10 years
$33,341 – $41,637

Medical Coder Department Manager

10+ years
$41,637+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Bentonville ranks #9 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner medical coder salary (90th percentile: $51,453).

Top 10% medical coder compensation in Bentonville ($51,453) is 3.55% below the Arkansas average P90 ($53,345).

2021 BLS Actual

$45,979

2025 BLS Actual

$50,286

2026 Current Est.

$51,453

2021–2027 Growth

+14.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Bentonville (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Bentonville. Baseline $45,979 in 2025, projected to $52,646 by 2027.$44.5K$47.1K$49.6K$52.1K$54.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$46.0K$46.8K$48.2K$53.2K$50.3K$51.5K$52.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$45,979Actual
2022$46,760Actual
2023$48,216Actual
2024$53,225Actual
2025$50,286Actual
2026(current)$51,453Estimated
2027$52,646Projected

Top-earning medical coders (90th percentile) in Bentonville saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $45,979 in 2021 to $50,286 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $52,646 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bentonville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Medical Coder Earnings in Bentonville

Specialization is a key factor influencing senior medical coder pay in AR, especially in areas like oncology, pediatrics, and neurology, which command higher salaries due to their complex coding needs. Additionally, compensation varies significantly among employer types; those working in large health facilities or specialty clinics tend to earn more than their peers in community health centers or small private practices. Career advancement can lead to opportunities as clinical coordinators or department directors, with those in leadership roles often benefiting from enhanced salary packages. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), can further elevate salaries, especially as employers in Bentonville increasingly value a robust credential mix for senior coders. Non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials and comprehensive benefits, also play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical coders make in Bentonville in 2026?

Top-earning medical coders in Bentonville (90th percentile) make $51,453/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $18,112 more than the area median of $33,341 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical coders typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical coder pay in Bentonville?

Higher medical coder pay in Bentonville is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical coder salary in Bentonville?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical coders in Bentonville include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $33,341, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical coders make six figures in Bentonville?

The 90th percentile in Bentonville is $51,453. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical coder salary increase over time in Bentonville?

In Bentonville, the gap between entry level ($22,797) and top earners ($51,453) is $28,656, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

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

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $50,286 for medical coders in the Bentonville metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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