Uncovering the Truth about Health Information Specialist Salary: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering a career as a health information specialist (HIS), it’s essential to understand how much you can expect to earn. HIS jobs involve managing and organizing the medical records of patients, ensuring quality control, and maintaining data privacy. This role is vital to the healthcare industry as it supports doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in treating patients more efficiently and accurately. In this article, we’ll explore the typical salary range for health information specialists and the factors that impact their earnings.
The Average Salary of a Health Information Specialist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for health information technicians was $42,630 per year or $20.49 per hour in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $28,190 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned $71,150 or more per year.
It’s essential to note that the salary range for HIS jobs varies depending on factors like education, experience, and location. The BLS further reported that health information technicians who worked in government facilities, including local and state hospitals and clinics, earned a median salary of $47,050 per year, while those working in physicians’ offices earned a median salary of $41,300 annually.
The Impact of Education and Experience on HIS Salary
As mentioned earlier, an HIS’s level of education and experience plays a pivotal role in their salary range. For example, an HIS with an associate’s degree may earn a median salary of $42,630, while one with a bachelor’s degree can earn as much as $71,150 annually. Similarly, a newly qualified HIS may start earning somewhere around $30,000 per year, while someone with several years’ experience in the field can earn up to $60,000 annually.
The Role of Geographic Location
Your geographic location also impacts your earnings as an HIS. According to the BLS, the states with the highest employment levels for health information technicians in May 2020 were California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The highest-paying states for HIS jobs were the District of Columbia, California, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Additionally, metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries than non-metropolitan areas.
Conclusion
As a health information specialist, you play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. It’s essential to understand the job’s salary range and the factors that impact it. Salaries vary depending on education, experience, and geographic location. According to the BLS, the median salary for an HIS in May 2020 was $42,630 per year or $20.49 per hour. However, being aware of the salary range for HIS jobs across various states, metropolitan areas and considering advancing your education and experience in the field can result in higher earnings.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)
Speech tips:
Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.