Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Medical Records Specialists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $75,400. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $55,480, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill set valued within this dynamic metropolitan region. The economic landscape and cost of operations in the Bay Area often necessitate higher compensation to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,410.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,200 Medical Records Specialists, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area demonstrates a substantial concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that while the region has a notable presence, it is slightly below the national average in terms of concentration relative to other occupations. This indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+35.9%above the national average.
$36.3
$1,450
$6,283
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in San Francisco is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Records Specialists have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the healthcare sector. Factors such as increasing healthcare data complexity and the need for efficient record management likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The salary trajectory 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 healthcare regulations and advanced record-keeping systems can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,840 | $23 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $56,550 | $27.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $73,180 | $35.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $94,250 | $45.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $104,410 | $50.2 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $75,400 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average due to the local cost of living. Therefore, the higher salary is largely offset by the expenses associated with living in this high-cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
2,200
Total Jobs
0.916
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.75x 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 0.75 indicates that Medical Records Specialists are present in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area at a rate slightly lower than the national average when compared to the overall employment landscape. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly concentrated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $72,300↓ 4% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $64,500↓ 14% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $99,500↑ 32% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $66,110↓ 12% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $62,070↓ 18% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $75,400. This typically ranges from $47,840 for entry-level positions to $104,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 35.9% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, but with caveats.The nominal salary of $75,400 is significantly higher than the national average, offering strong earning potential. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary is largely consumed by local expenses.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($72,300) and Napa, CA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 2,200 Medical Records Specialists indicates a significant pool of talent and established roles within the region, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.75 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.75, suggests that the concentration of Medical Records Specialists is slightly less than the national average, potentially indicating a moderate level of competition for roles.
How does experience affect Medical Records Specialist salaries in San Francisco?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.
Is the San Francisco job market for Medical Records Specialists growing?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size and the essential nature of medical records management in healthcare suggest a consistent demand and likely steady job market for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,200 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.916 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA