Fort Smith vs Texarkana: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Texarkana, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Texarkana, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $21,970▲ | $20,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $10.56▲ | $9.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $19,667▲ | $15,978 |
| 25th Percentile | $20,747▲ | $18,073 |
| 75th Percentile | $25,127 | $25,880▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $35,862▲ | $31,849 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Texarkana.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Texarkana is $1,408 (6.85%). Fort Smith's median is -27.61% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $16,195,Texarkana spans $15,871. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($25,580 effective) pays 8.11% more than Texarkana ($23,662 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($21,970/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($35,862)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $25,580)
- ✓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 billing and coding specialist salaries in Fort Smith grew -38.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -39.9% growth in Texarkana over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$35,070 (2021) → $21,472 (2025)
Texarkana, AR
$33,435 (2024) → $20,096 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Texarkana, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Fort Smith or Texarkana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Texarkana?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Texarkana as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Fort Smith vs Texarkana?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty 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 Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov