Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
Medical Records Specialists
SOC: 29-2072 O*NET: 29-2072.00
Median Salary
$50,250
per year
Job Growth
🚀 7.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
What does a Medical Records Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,780
10th percentile
Early Career
$41,600
25th percentile
Median
$50,250
50th percentile
Experienced
$64,070
75th percentile
Top Earners
$80,950
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,780
25th
$41,600
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$50,250
Mean: $55,970
75th
$64,070
90th
$80,950
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $45,170 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $41,600 and $64,070
- •Salary spread is 44.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 187,910 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:194,800
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services30.3%
Hospitals21.8%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals20.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+7.1%
Annual Openings:14,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)194,800
Current
2034 (Projected)208,600
+7.1%
+13,800
Employment Change
+7.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Medical Records Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
20,390 jobs$47,2301.21x
California
19,750 jobs$59,7000.90x
Florida
15,510 jobs$45,9901.30x
New York
8,510 jobs$59,7500.73x
Ohio
8,180 jobs$51,4201.22x
Pennsylvania
7,220 jobs$46,7300.98x
North Carolina
5,960 jobs$47,8401.00x
Washington
5,280 jobs$62,2501.22x
Georgia
5,280 jobs$48,9900.89x
Illinois
4,990 jobs$49,4200.67x
Virginia
4,980 jobs$51,7801.01x
Michigan
4,720 jobs$48,2200.88x
Kentucky
4,040 jobs$48,0201.66x
Indiana
3,840 jobs$47,1700.99x
New Jersey
3,690 jobs$49,9100.71x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Medical Records Specialists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Tableau
Teradata Database
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Documentation & Record-Keeping (6)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Maintain or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyze information.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Post medical insurance billings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Process and prepare business or government forms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Process patient admission or discharge documents.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Medical Records Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Medical Records Specialists professionals typically have a CIS Holland code
CConventional
IInvestigative
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Medical Records Specialists
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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