Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Benton, AR: $36,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $36,504/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $42,007 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the financial landscape for experienced medical billing and coding specialists can be quite promising. With a top earner potential reaching $36,504 in 2026, seasoned professionals can substantially increase their income compared to the median salary of $23,971. This difference underscores the potential rewards available to those who excel in their roles and seek higher-level responsibilities. Achieving such compensation typically requires not only a robust understanding of coding practices, including specialties in inpatient and outpatient coding, but also advanced certifications like the CCS or CPC. Additionally, having strong analytical skills and leveraging experience in coding auditing or risk adjustment can help professionals bridge the gap to top-tier pay in this competitive market.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $29,789 and $36,504 per year (2026 est.). This $19,230 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $23,971 sits 21.02% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Benton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $23,971 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $29,789 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $36,504 | $48,159 |
In Benton, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 52.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Benton
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $23,971 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $29,789–$36,504 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenton ranks #14 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $36,504).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Benton ($36,504) is 5.61% below the Arkansas average P90 ($38,675).
2021 BLS Actual
$32,621
2025 BLS Actual
$35,676
2026 Current Est.
$36,504
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,208 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,654 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,676 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,351 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $32,621 in 2021 to $35,676 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $37,351 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Benton
For senior-level medical billing and coding specialists in Benton, specific niches can command significantly higher salaries. Competence in inpatient coding (CCS) or surgical coding can position professionals for greater earnings, while those involved with risk adjustment and HCC coding are seeing heightened demand. Compensation often varies based on employer type; for instance, coding positions with third-party companies or insurance payer audit teams may offer different rates compared to hospital settings. Leadership roles, such as coding supervisor or HIM director, not only enhance earning potential but also allow for further career advancement. Advanced credentials from organizations like the AAPC and AHIMA can lead to better financial outcomes, particularly when combined in a credential stack, which is increasingly valuable in the evolving field of medical coding. Meanwhile, factors such as productivity bonuses or remote work arrangements can also influence overall compensation, highlighting the dynamic nature of this profession in Benton, AR.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Benton in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Benton?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Benton?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Benton?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Benton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $35,676 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Benton metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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