Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bryant, AR: $17,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Bryant, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $17,082 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bryant's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,657 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($23,120) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Bryant, Arkansas, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to begin around $17,082 annually in 2026. This entry-level pay is significantly below the overall city median of $23,120, highlighting a notable gap for emerging coders. Over the first three to five years, there is a clear upward trajectory as professionals can expect to progress through salary tiers from P10 to P25, reaching around $19,600. Despite the relatively modest entry-level earnings, Bryant's current job market provides opportunities for new coders, especially as the demand for healthcare billing professionals continues to rise, propelled by the industry's shift towards remote work and increasing coding complexity.
About the Bryant Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bryant
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 Bryant
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Bryant, AR typically start between $17,082 and $19,600 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,763 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $23,120 — 23.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Arkansas of $2,200 represents just 12.88% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($17,082/year) in Bryant. 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 AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bryant
- 1Research the Bryant market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $17,082 to $19,600, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bryant, 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 Bryant for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bryant's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Bryant is $16,763 ( 98.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $17,082, experienced hygienists can earn up to $33,845.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$13,279
2025 BLS Actual
$16,695
2026 Current Est.
$17,082
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bryant (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $13,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $14,308 | Actual |
| 2023 | $15,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $16,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17,479 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Bryant, AR grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $13,279 in 2021 to $16,695 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $17,479. New graduates entering the Bryant job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bryant 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 billing and coding Career in Bryant
In terms of employment prospects in Bryant, various local employers actively seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, including third-party coding firms and coder audit teams that hire apprentice coders ready for mentorship. Opportunities also exist in physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers, which often fill entry-level roles with potential for advancement. To enhance starting pay in AR, obtaining relevant credentials from recognized organizations like AAPC and AHIMA can be beneficial. Coding qualifications such as CPC or CPC-A for outpatient settings increase job market appeal, while expertise in inpatient coding through CCS or CCS-P may be required for hospital roles. Given the industry’s rapid evolution, particularly with 80% of positions now remote, maintaining proficiency in updated coding systems like ICD-10-CM and engaging in continuous learning will be vital. For those dedicated to the medical coding field, realistic salary growth within the first few years can lead to further competitive compensation as they gain experience and certifications.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 billing and 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 Bryant. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bryant 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 billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
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