Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for Medical Records Specialistss in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $45,180. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,350.
- Outlook: The current demand for Medical Records Specialistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-18.6%below the national average.
$21.7
$869
$3,765
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Medical Records Specialists salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 21.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Medical Records Specialistss in Fort Smith, AR-OK varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $30,960, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $79,350.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,960 | $14.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,885 | $16.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $56,475 | $27.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $79,350 | $38.1 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $45,180 to $45,180.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.868
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.71x the national average concentration of Medical Records Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
80 people work as Medical Records Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
Only 0.868 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Medical Records Specialists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Medical Records Specialists Salary | $48,100↑ 6% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Medical Records Specialists Salary | $41,960↓ 7% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Medical Records Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $45,180. This typically ranges from $30,960 for entry-level positions to $79,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 18.6% lower than the national median of $55,480.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Medical Records Specialistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Medical Records Specialists salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $45,180 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Fort Smith, AR-OK. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($48,100) and Hot Springs, AR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 0.868 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Records Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK