Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $11.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Searcy, AR runs $11.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $23,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $12.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $13,983 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hourly compensation for medical billing and coding specialists in Searcy, Arkansas, is projected to be a median of $11.20 in 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $14.59. This disparity can affect part-time workers and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists, who often operate in diverse environments such as hospital HIM departments, third-party coding companies, or from remote home offices. For those working just three days a week, which typically accounts for around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates into flexible earning arrangements. Entry-level employees in Searcy can expect to earn as little as $8.43 per hour, while experienced specialists might command rates as high as $16.21, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and employer settings.
About the Searcy Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $8.43 | $67.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $9.60 | $76.78 |
| Median (P50) | $11.20 | $89.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $13.51 | $108.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $16.21 | $129.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $11.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $11.20/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $23,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $13,445. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $448.16 | $1,942 | $23,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $268.90 | $1,165 | $13,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $179.26 | $777 | $9,322 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Searcy) | $11.20 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Searcy, AR earn a median of $23,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.24% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $24,470.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $11.20/hr = $13,983/year (purchasing power: $16,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $23,304/year (purchasing power: $26,817).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$9.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$10.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$11.20/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Searcy (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $10.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $10.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $10.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $11.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $11.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Searcy grew 9.6% from $9.99/hr (2021) to $10.95/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $11.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Searcy 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Searcy
In Searcy, a medical billing and coding specialist working part-time for 24 hours a week would bring home approximately $13,542 annually, a considerable difference when compared to full-time earnings. For those considering per-diem or agency work, it's interesting to note that 1099 medical coders can earn between $25 and $42 per hour, with certified specialists in certain areas like inpatient coding able to command even higher rates, ranging from $35 to $55. Hourly rates differ across employer types; for instance, specialists in physician group practices or hospital settings may have more stable positions but potentially lower hourly rates compared to freelance work. While some professionals may choose positions offering lower hourly wages with benefits to secure health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay rates without benefits for the flexibility it provides. Negotiating tips for hourly workers include being informed about the industry standards and being prepared to discuss relevant certifications from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA, which can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Searcy, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Searcy. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Searcy 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