Medical Records Specialist Salary 2025: $51,140 Median, 7% Growth
Medical Records Specialists — the professionals who organize, manage, and protect patient health information — earn a median annual salary of $51,140, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean wage is $56,790, or roughly $25 an hour. Pay stretches from $37,000 at the 10th percentile to $81,150 for the top 10%.
How much Medical Records Specialists earn
The national median of $51,140 is the midpoint: half earn more, half less. Experienced specialists can push well into six figures, especially with certifications or at large healthcare systems. Entry-level roles often start around $37,000. The top 10% earn over $81,000.
Your earning potential depends on your employer. Hospitals and government agencies tend to pay higher than physician offices or nursing homes. The industry also matters: outpatient care centers and scientific research facilities often lead in compensation.
Pay by state
Location is a major factor. The District of Columbia pays the most, averaging $72,040. Rhode Island ($63,960), Hawaii ($63,180), Washington ($62,270), and California ($61,810) round out the top five. At the bottom, Alabama averages $43,810, Arkansas $41,740, and Mississippi $41,500.
Even within high-paying states, cost of living matters. A $61,810 salary in California’s Bay Area may not stretch as far as $51,140 in a Midwest city. Relocating or negotiating for a remote role can boost your real earnings.
How to become a Medical Records Specialist
Most employers require at least a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree in health information technology or a related field. Programs cover medical terminology, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT), health data management, and legal aspects of health records.
Voluntary certification can give you an edge. Credentials like the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) from AHIMA or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC are widely recognized. Some employers require certification for higher-level tasks like coding.
On-the-job training is common. Many specialists start in entry-level roles such as medical records clerk or file clerk and work up while earning certificates. Strong attention to detail, computer skills, and knowledge of privacy laws (HIPAA) are essential.
- Earn a certificate or associate degree in health information technology.
- Learn ICD-10, CPT coding, and medical terminology.
- Get certified: RHIT (AHIMA) or CPC (AAPC) for better pay.
- Gain experience through entry-level clerk roles.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of Medical Records Specialists will grow 7.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 14,200 openings each year, mostly from workers retiring or changing jobs.
Drivers include an aging population needing more medical records, the shift to electronic health records (EHRs), and stricter data security requirements. Specialists who master complex coding systems or earn advanced certifications will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
Do Medical Records Specialists need a degree?
Many employers require at least a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in health information technology. On-the-job training is common, but a degree is often preferred.
Is Medical Records Specialist a good career?
Yes — the median salary of $51,140 is solid for roles requiring only a certificate or associate degree. Growth is strong at 7.1%, and the work offers stability in a growing healthcare field.
What states pay Medical Records Specialists the most?
The District of Columbia ($72,040), Rhode Island ($63,960), Hawaii ($63,180), Washington ($62,270), and California ($61,810) have the highest average salaries.
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 Medical Records Specialists data.