Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Medical Records Specialists in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $99,500. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $55,480, reflecting the high demand and specialized skill set required in this dynamic metropolitan region. The economic landscape and cost of living in this part of California naturally command higher compensation for skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $99,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $150,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,000 Medical Records Specialists and a Location Quotient of 0.73, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara market indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. However, the presence of nearly a thousand professionals suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for these roles within the region's healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+79.3%above the national average.
$47.8
$1,913
$8,292
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends in healthcare administration. Factors such as increasing data complexity, evolving privacy regulations, and a growing patient population likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for skilled Medical Records Specialists.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The career path for Medical Records Specialists typically shows significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of health information management systems and compliance can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the value placed on accumulated expertise and specialized skills within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $54,620 | $26.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $74,625 | $35.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $86,960 | $41.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $124,375 | $59.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $150,600 | $72.4 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$99,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $99,500 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. 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, considering local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,000
Total Jobs
0.884
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 0.73x 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 0.73 suggests that Medical Records Specialists are slightly less concentrated in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area compared to the national average. This indicates that while the job market is present and supports a workforce of 1,000, it may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified candidates without an overwhelming level of competition relative to national concentrations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $62,070↓ 38% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $75,400↓ 24% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $55,490↓ 44% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $54,350↓ 45% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $62,890↓ 37% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $99,500. This typically ranges from $54,620 for entry-level positions to $150,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 79.3% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists.The average salary of $99,500 is significantly higher than the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the nominal income offers substantial earning potential.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($62,070) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Medical Records Specialists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $99,500, which is considerably higher than the national average of $55,480.
What is the concentration of Medical Records Specialists in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.73, indicating a slightly lower concentration of Medical Records Specialists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the same as the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $99,500 translates to a purchasing power that is in line with the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 0.884 jobs per 1,000 workers, it suggests a moderate presence of Medical Records Specialist roles within the broader workforce of the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,000 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.884 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA