CDI Specialist jobs in Fort Smith, AR
Pay for CDI Specialists in Arkansas centers on $31.50 per hour, or about $65,510 a year. The lower quarter earns under $22.31 and the upper quarter over $40.84. That is 3% below the U.S. median of $32.36 per hour. The CMS hospital directory lists 2 hospitals in Fort Smith. Your free pay report adds named employers and the roles open near Fort Smith.
- $31.50median pay per hour, Arkansas
- $22–$41typical range per hour
- 86cost of living index (U.S. = 100)
CDI Specialist pay in Fort Smith, AR
Nationally the median is $32.36 per hour. BLS counts about 130 health information technologists and medical registrars employed in Arkansas.
| Level | Per hour | Per year | Compared with U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | $20.78 | $43,220 | 36% below U.S. median |
| Lower quartile | $22.31 | $46,400 | 31% below U.S. median |
| Median | $31.50 | $65,510 | 3% below U.S. median |
| Upper quartile | $40.84 | $84,950 | 26% above U.S. median |
| Top 10% | $42.10 | $87,570 | 30% above U.S. median |
BLS does not publish a separate figure for CDI Specialist. These numbers are for the broader category it belongs to, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars (SOC 29-9021), all industries. This is what employers report paying, not an offer for a specific role.
What your pay buys in Fort Smith
- Overall prices in Fort Smith run 14% below the U.S. average (index 85.9, U.S. = 100).
- Housing is the biggest driver: 47% below the U.S. average (index 53.4).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024. Prices are for the metro area, not for a single neighborhood.
Get the Fort Smith CDI Specialist pay report
Named employers near Fort Smith, what they pay and the roles open now. Free for candidates, email only.
Get my free pay reportEstimate your Fort Smith paycheck
- Per year: $56,700
- Per month: $4,725
Gross pay before taxes and benefits, from BLS pay levels for Arkansas. For take-home pay use the take-home pay calculator.
Hospitals in Fort Smith
CMS lists 2 hospitals in Fort Smith.
| Hospital | Type | Ownership | CMS rating | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy Hospital Fort Smith Fort Smith, AR | Acute care | Nonprofit | 3 of 5 | Yes |
| Baptist Health - Fort Smith Fort Smith, AR | Acute care | Nonprofit | 2 of 5 | Yes |
Source: CMS Hospital General Information, public data. A directory of hospitals, not a list of our clients.
CDI Specialist pay in nearby cities
| City | Distance | Median pay | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, AR | 51 mi | $31.50/hr | 103,134 |
| Springdale, AR | 59 mi | $31.50/hr | 89,368 |
| Rogers, AR | 68 mi | $31.50/hr | 75,639 |
| Bentonville, AR | 70 mi | $31.50/hr | 61,791 |
| Broken Arrow, OK | 92 mi | $22.00/hr | 122,756 |
| Tulsa, OK | 101 mi | $22.00/hr | 415,154 |
CDI Specialist jobs in Arkansas · CDI Specialist jobs nationwide
What employers ask for, and tax basics in Arkansas
Clinical documentation integrity specialists review charts and query clinicians so records reflect patient severity accurately.
- CCDS or CDIP credential, or the ability to earn one
- Clinical background such as RN, or coding experience
- Knowledge of DRGs and quality reporting
Arkansas taxes wage income. Use your own rates in the take-home pay calculator.
Other healthcare roles in Fort Smith
Fort Smith city guide: hospitals, employers and licensing
Common questions
How much do CDI Specialists make in Fort Smith, AR?
CDI Specialists in Arkansas have a median pay of $31.50 per hour, about $65,510 a year. The middle half earn between $22.31 and $40.84 per hour (BLS, May 2024).
Where do CDI Specialists work in Fort Smith?
CMS lists 2 hospitals in Fort Smith, led by Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. Ask for the free report to see current openings and pay.
Do I need a Arkansas license to work in Fort Smith as a CDI Specialist?
CCDS or CDIP credential, or the ability to earn one. Credentials are issued state by state, so confirm what Arkansas requires for your role with the Arkansas licensing board and with your recruiter before you commit to a start date. Confirm with the board before you accept a role.
Does Valorem Health place CDI Specialists in Fort Smith?
Yes. We place healthcare staff in Fort Smith and across Arkansas. Tell us your profession and we email the roles open near Fort Smith.
What do employers near Fort Smith pay CDI Specialists? Get the report.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
Get your free pay report
20+ CDI Specialist roles in Arkansas, sent free by email
Tell us who you are and what you do. We email the report within 24 hours on business days.
Your CDI pay reportTop-paying hospitals shown · your Arkansas list by name comes with the full report
1Pay for your role at other hospitals
- Montage HealthMonterey, CA · 1 posting$84.65/ hr$72–$97
- Emanate HealthWest Covina, CA · 1 posting$63.17/ hr$50–$77
- San Antonio Regional HospitalUpland, CA · 1 posting$59.87/ hr$48–$72
- Boston Medical CenterRemote, MA · 1 posting$56.69/ hr$38–$75
Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published. Request your Arkansas list
2What they are offering now
8 CDI postings with published pay in the US, 8 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open CDI roles
Open CDI roles near Fort Smith, AR, each with pay, shift and start date, arrive with your report.