Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars Salary 2025: $68,020 Median, 14.7% Growth
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars earn a median salary of $68,020 per year, or about $33 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% pull in over $117,420, while entry-level positions start around $39,830. With 38,100 jobs nationwide and a projected growth rate of 14.7% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than average—this field offers strong opportunities for those who can manage, analyze, and protect patient data.
How much Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars earn
The national median salary is $68,020, meaning half earn more and half earn less. The mean (average) wage is $74,970. Pay ranges widely: from $39,830 at the 10th percentile to $117,420 at the 90th.
Experience, certification, and location drive differences. The highest-paid workers often hold advanced credentials like RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) or CPHI (Certified Professional in Health Informatics).
- 10th percentile: $39,830
- 25th percentile: about $50,000 (BLS doesn't specify exact 25th, but typical)
- Median: $68,020
- 75th percentile: about $90,000 (BLS doesn't specify exact 75th, but typical)
- 90th percentile: $117,420
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. Arkansas tops the list with an average salary of $93,300, followed by Minnesota ($90,760), California ($90,750), Wisconsin ($89,260), and Wyoming ($88,560). On the low end, Oklahoma pays $45,210, South Carolina $44,530, and New Mexico $42,000.
These figures reflect average annual wages for the occupation in each state. High-paying states tend to have higher costs of living, but the differential in places like Arkansas stands out as notably strong.
How to become Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrar
The standard entry path is an associate degree in health information management or a related field. Many employers prefer a bachelor's degree, especially for higher-level roles. Coursework covers medical terminology, coding systems (ICD-10), data analytics, healthcare law, and information security.
Certification is common and often expected. The most recognized is the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential from AHIMA. For medical registrars specifically, the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) is required by many cancer registries. Some states also have licensing for certain roles.
Typical career progression: start in a hospital or clinic as a coding specialist or data entry clerk, then move into registrar or technologist positions with experience.
- 1. Earn an associate or bachelor's degree in health information management.
- 2. Consider certification: RHIT or CTR (depending on specialization).
- 3. Gain entry-level experience in medical records or cancer registry.
- 4. Continue education for advancement; bachelor's degree opens higher pay.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 14.7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,200 openings per year, mostly due to growth and replacement of retiring workers. The aging population increases demand for medical records and cancer registries, while electronic health records (EHR) expand need for data management.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars?
The mean annual wage is $74,970, or about $33 per hour. The median is $68,020.
How long does it take to become a Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar?
An associate degree takes two years; a bachelor's four. Certification exams can be taken after graduation. Many start in entry-level roles within a year of completing certification.
Is Health Information Technologist a good career?
Yes, especially if you like data and healthcare but not direct patient care. The median salary is above national average, job growth is strong, and the field offers stable, white-collar work.
Which states pay the highest for Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars?
Arkansas ($93,300), Minnesota ($90,760), California ($90,750), Wisconsin ($89,260), and Wyoming ($88,560).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars data.