Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $24,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in North Little Rock, AR earns a median $24,428/year (≈ $11.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in North Little Rock's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $28,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for a medical billing and coding specialist in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2026 is $24,428, significantly lower than the national median of $30,349. This compensation framework reflects a salary range from $18,064 at the 10th percentile to $37,864 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variation in pay based on factors such as experience and specialization. Credential stacking can greatly enhance earning potential in this field. For instance, obtaining certifications like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) not only improves skill sets but also opens up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Understanding the local market is essential, as specialized roles, particularly in coding for inpatient services or risk adjustment, remain in demand.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18,064 | $8.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20,958 | $10.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $24,428 | $11.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31,268 | $15.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37,864 | $18.20 |
Median Salary Position
19.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Little Rock
In North Little Rock, AR, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,800 (2026 est.). At $24,428, the local median is 19.51% below the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in North Little Rock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Little Rock Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
North Little Rock median: $24,428/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $24,477 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -19.51% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $24,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.51% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 0.20% below the Arkansas state average of $24,477.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Little Rock has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $24,428 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $28,110 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$21,783
2025 BLS Actual
$23,874
2026 Current Est.
$24,428
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
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 | $21,783 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,025 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,904 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,874 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,995 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $21,783 (2021) to $23,874 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $24,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,212 (14.75%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $18,064 – $20,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $20,958 – $24,428 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $24,428 – $31,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $31,268 – $37,864 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in North Little Rock
In the North Little Rock area, there are currently 15 medical billing and coding specialists employed, setting a baseline for job availability. Given the low cost of living index at 86.9, professionals may find that their take-home pay stretches further than in other regions. Employers in North Little Rock, such as hospitals, coding companies, and physician group practices, generally pay higher salaries for roles requiring advanced certifications or experience. The disparity in pay can be attributed to factors including specialty focus, additional credentials, and productivity bonuses tied to coding output. For those seeking to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing education in high-demand areas such as risk adjustment coding and maintaining a flexible approach to remote work options can be advantageous. Investing in continuous education is crucial, especially as coding standards and compliance requirements evolve, ensuring that professionals remain competitive in this growing field.
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $23,874 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the North Little Rock metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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