Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in California
Medical Records Specialists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,080, significantly surpassing the national average of $55,480. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for healthcare services, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates greater pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in this vital administrative role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,560.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 19,750 Medical Records Specialists, California demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that the concentration of these roles in California is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 1.094 jobs per 1,000 workers further points to consistent employment opportunities within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in California earns+22.7%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,309
$5,673
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for skilled Medical Records Specialists in California has seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in healthcare administration. This sustained demand, coupled with potential inflationary pressures and increasing healthcare complexity, likely translates to a positive trajectory in average salaries for these professionals within the state.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Medical Records Specialists in California typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of health information management systems and compliance regulations can command significantly higher salaries. The widening percentile gaps in salary data reflect this clear career ladder, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $41,740 | $20.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $51,060 | $24.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $59,700 | $28.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $85,100 | $40.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $104,560 | $50.3 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,155
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal average salary of $68,080 in California appears attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, and utilities are substantially higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of the $68,080 salary in California is considerably less than the same amount would be in a lower cost-of-living area, impacting the real value of the earnings.
Job Market Context
19,750
Total Jobs
1.094
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
California has 0.90x the national average concentration of Medical Records Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.9 for Medical Records Specialists in California suggests that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This implies that while the job market is substantial, it is not disproportionately dominated by this profession, indicating a healthy balance between supply and demand and potentially less intense competition for qualified candidates compared to areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $57,850↓ 15% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $58,040↓ 15% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $58,750↓ 14% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $58,710↓ 14% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $54,480↓ 20% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Medical Records Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in California is $68,080. This typically ranges from $41,740 for entry-level positions to $104,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 22.7% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is California a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, with a caveat.California offers a higher average salary for Medical Records Specialists than the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary is reduced compared to lower-cost states.
Is California a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($57,850) and Visalia, CA.
What is the average salary for a Medical Records Specialist in California?
The average annual salary for a Medical Records Specialist in California is $68,080.
How does California's salary compare to the national average?
California's average salary of $68,080 is substantially higher than the national average of $55,480 for Medical Records Specialists.
Is the job market for Medical Records Specialists strong in California?
Yes, with a workforce of nearly 20,000 and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio above 1, the market indicates consistent demand and employment opportunities.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?
California's cost of living is 38.5% higher than the national average, meaning that the $68,080 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a more affordable state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 19,750 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.094 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Records Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California