Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $18,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the North Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $18,064 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $20,787 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($24,428) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking a position as a medical billing and coding specialist in North Little Rock can expect to start their careers with salaries hovering around the lower end of the pay spectrum. Entry-level positions typically offer an annual salary of approximately $18,064, which is significantly below the city’s median salary of $24,428. This creates a gap that early-career professionals can work to bridge over the first few years by acquiring more experience and skills. Salary growth can lead up to the 25th percentile figure of $20,958, providing a path for progress as they establish themselves in the field. For new coders, especially in a city like North Little Rock, which features a relatively lower living cost index, this entry-level salary can create a solid foundation to begin building their careers.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Little Rock
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 North Little Rock
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in North Little Rock, AR typically start between $18,064 and $20,958 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,800 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $24,428 — 19.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Arkansas of $2,200 represents just 12.18% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($18,064/year) in North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock
- 1Research the North Little Rock market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $18,064 to $20,958, 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 North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Little Rock'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 North Little Rock is $19,800 ( 109.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $18,064, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,864.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$14,042
2025 BLS Actual
$17,654
2026 Current Est.
$18,064
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in North Little Rock (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $15,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $16,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,681 | Actual |
| 2025 | $17,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18,483 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in North Little Rock, AR grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $14,042 in 2021 to $17,654 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $18,483. New graduates entering the North Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Employers in North Little Rock hiring entry-level medical billing and coding specialists include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often look for CPC-A (apprentice) coders ready to embark on their coding journey. Positions in physician group practices and outpatient ASCs frequently feature entry-level roles, while hospital inpatient coding usually requires CCS credentials. To increase starting pay and marketability, new grads should consider obtaining relevant certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, such as CPC or CCS-P, as these credentials can significantly enhance their appeal to employers. Given the shift towards remote work in coding, ongoing education in areas such as ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment coding can further differentiate them as candidates and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Realistic salary growth in the initial 1-3 years can be expected as they gain expertise and may reach closer to the median salary as they progress.
More salary data for North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock 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