Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Medical Records Specialists earn an average annual salary of $53,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $55,480, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and demand dynamics can influence compensation levels. Understanding these regional nuances is key for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,570.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 390 Medical Records Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions. The presence of over 1,000 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these professionals within the local healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-4.1%below the national average.
$25.6
$1,023
$4,434
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston is not provided, the healthcare sector nationally has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Records Specialists in this region have mirrored this upward trend, reflecting increased responsibilities and the evolving digital landscape of health information management.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Medical Records Specialists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of health information systems and compliance can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career growth opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise and responsibilities expand.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,080 | $16.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $39,908 | $19.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $52,900 | $25.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $66,513 | $32 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $70,570 | $33.9 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,210 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Records Specialist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
1.002
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.82x 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 0.82 indicates that Medical Records Specialists are slightly less concentrated in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a good balance for job seekers. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce, presenting moderate opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Medical Records Specialists Salary | $60,680↑ 14% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Medical Records Specialists Salary | $48,750↓ 8% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Medical Records Specialists Salary | $46,540↓ 13% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $49,730↓ 7% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $50,080↓ 6% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Medical Records Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $53,210. This typically ranges from $35,080 for entry-level positions to $70,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 4.1% lower than the national median of $55,480.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $53,210 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential for the cost of living.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($60,680) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Records Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston is $53,210, which is slightly lower than the national average of $55,480.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Medical Records Specialists work in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 390 Medical Records Specialists employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area.
Is there high demand for Medical Records Specialists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of Medical Records Specialists is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.002 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC