Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in District of Columbia
Medical Records Specialists in the District of Columbia earn an impressive average annual salary of $76,990, significantly surpassing the national average of $55,480. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the unique economic landscape and higher operational costs inherent to the nation's capital, which necessitate elevated compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,410.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia hosts a concentrated workforce of 370 Medical Records Specialists, with a jobs-per-thousand-workers ratio of 0.52. While the Location Quotient of 0.43 suggests a lower concentration compared to the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable, albeit specialized, job market within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in District of Columbia earns+38.8%above the national average.
$37
$1,481
$6,416
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 the District of Columbia has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in healthcare administration and data management. This sustained demand likely translates to a steady increase in average salaries, reflecting the evolving responsibilities and technological integration within the field.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Career progression for Medical Records Specialists in the District of Columbia typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, potentially reaching senior or supervisory roles. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for substantial career and financial advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $44,850 | $21.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $57,743 | $27.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $64,690 | $31.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $96,238 | $46.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $123,410 | $59.3 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,775
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The nominal average salary of $76,990 in the District of Columbia presents a complex picture when viewed against the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the significantly elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or even slightly less than, what a lower salary would provide in a more affordable region.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
0.52
Per 1K Jobs
0.43
Location Quotient
At 0.43x, District of Columbia has a notably lower concentration of Medical Records Specialists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.43, the market for Medical Records Specialists in the District of Columbia is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these professionals, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also indicates that the demand might be more niche or specialized within the specific healthcare and administrative sectors present in the capital.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $54,340↓ 29% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Medical Records Specialists Salary | $69,090↓ 10% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Medical Records Specialists Salary | $55,430↓ 28% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Medical Records Specialists Salary | $55,580↓ 28% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Medical Records Specialists Salary | $45,930↓ 40% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in District of Columbia is $76,990. This typically ranges from $44,850 for entry-level positions to $123,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 38.8% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, but with caveats.The average salary of $76,990 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating lucrative potential. However, the high cost of living in the District of Columbia substantially offsets this advantage, requiring careful financial planning.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($54,340) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the cost of living affect the Medical Records Specialist salary in DC?
The high cost of living in DC, nearly 49% above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power may be reduced compared to lower-cost areas. A $76,990 salary in DC might afford a lifestyle comparable to a lower salary elsewhere.
What is the job market like for Medical Records Specialists in DC?
The market is less concentrated than the national average (LQ of 0.43), suggesting a specialized demand rather than a saturated job pool. There are 0.52 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady presence of opportunities.
Can experience significantly increase a Medical Records Specialist's salary in DC?
Yes, experience is a key driver of salary growth. Senior Medical Records Specialists with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn substantially more than entry-level professionals, reflecting career progression and increased responsibility.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 370 Medical Records Specialists indicates a stable, established professional community. While not a massive number, it suggests consistent demand and employment opportunities within the District of Columbia's healthcare and administrative sectors.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.52 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 District of Columbia