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Medical Records Specialist Salary in Fort Smith, AR

How much does a medical records specialist make in Fort Smith? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Fort Smith's cost of living.

Median Salary
$32,806
per year in Fort Smith
Entry Level
$22,822
Starting salary
Senior Level
$44,218
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how medical records specialist salaries break down across different pay periods in Fort Smith.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$22,822$32,806$44,218
Monthly$1,902$2,734$3,685
Biweekly$878$1,262$1,701
Weekly$439$631$850
Hourly$11$16$21

Fort Smith vs National Average

How Fort Smith's medical records specialist salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Smith Salary
$32,806
COL Index: 80
National Average
$51,260
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$18,454
Lower in Fort Smith

Cost of Living in Fort Smith

1-Bedroom Rent
$700
per month
Median Income
$36,450
per year
Population
89,142
residents
Rent % of Income
23.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fort Smith have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Medical Records Specialist

Overview

Organize, maintain, and manage patient medical records and documentation.

Education

High school diploma; medical records certification preferred

Key Skills

Medical Records ManagementData EntryOrganizationHIPAA Compliance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Medical Records Specialist Salary

See Medical Records Specialist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,610
+85%
Los Angeles, CA
$53,930
+64%
Chicago, IL
$49,790
+52%
Houston, TX
$48,940
+49%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,810
+55%

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Medical Records Specialist Salary in Fort Smith, AR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a medical records specialist in Fort Smith, AR is $32,806 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fort Smith's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level medical records specialist professionals in Fort Smith can expect to earn around $22,822 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level medical records specialists earning approximately $44,218 per year. This represents a 94% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fort Smith's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Fort Smith are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $51,260, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a medical records specialist's salary in Fort Smith typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 25.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Medical Records Specialists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Fort Smith, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.