Medical Records Technician Salary: What You Can Expect

As a medical records technician, you play a vital role in the healthcare industry, ensuring that patient records are accurate, complete, and securely maintained. If you're considering a career as a medical records technician, one of the most important factors to consider is salary. In this article, we'll explore the average medical records technician salary, factors that can influence your earnings, and what you can expect as you progress in your career.

Medical Records Technician Salary: National Averages

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical records and health information technicians was $42,820 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, employer, level of experience, and specific job duties.

Salary Ranges by Industry

Here are some average salary ranges for medical records technicians in different industries:

Hospitals: $41,490 - $61,490 per year
Physician offices: $39,490 - $59,490 per year
Nursing care facilities: $38,490 - $58,490 per year
Outpatient care centers: $40,490 - $60,490 per year
Government agencies: $43,490 - $63,490 per year

Factors That Influence Medical Records Technician Salary

Factors Influencing Medical Records Technician Salary

Several factors can impact your salary as a medical records technician. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. Cities with a high cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to offer higher salaries.
Employer: Different employers offer varying salaries. For example, hospitals tend to pay more than physician offices.
Level of experience: More experienced medical records technicians can earn higher salaries.
Certifications: Having certifications like RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) or CCA (Certified Coding Associate) can increase your earning potential.
Job duties: Medical records technicians with specialized job duties, such as coding or auditing, may earn higher salaries.

Salary Growth and Advancement Opportunities

As you gain experience and develop specialized skills, you can expect your salary to grow. Here are some average salary ranges for medical records technicians with varying levels of experience:

Entry-level (0-2 years of experience): $35,000 - $50,000 per year
Mid-level (2-5 years of experience): $45,000 - $65,000 per year
Senior-level (5-10 years of experience): $55,000 - $80,000 per year
Lead or management roles (10+ years of experience): $70,000 - $100,000 per year

Conclusion and Next Steps

Medical Records Technician Career Growth

As a medical records technician, you can expect a competitive salary and opportunities for growth and advancement. To increase your earning potential, focus on developing specialized skills, gaining experience, and obtaining certifications. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices to remain competitive in the job market.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the medical records technician salary. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.