Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Medical Records Specialists in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $65,730. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $55,480, indicating a localized premium for these essential healthcare support roles. The higher compensation in this region is likely influenced by a combination of local demand and the specific healthcare infrastructure present.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,090.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Medical Records Specialists, the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a steady but not booming demand.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+18.5%above the national average.
$31.6
$1,264
$5,478
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in healthcare support roles. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, evolving data management technologies, and the ongoing demand for skilled administrative professionals within the sector.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Career progression for Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight 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) | $40,790 | $19.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $49,298 | $23.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,470 | $27.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $82,163 | $39.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $111,090 | $53.4 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,730 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Records Specialist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the significant financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.001
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA 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 for Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a good balance for job seekers between available opportunities and competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $54,480↓ 17% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $58,710↓ 11% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $66,970↑ 2% | 88 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $53,690↓ 18% | 92 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $56,580↓ 14% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Medical Records Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $65,730. This typically ranges from $40,790 for entry-level positions to $111,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 18.5% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists.The average salary of $65,730 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($54,480) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, is $65,730, which is substantially higher than the national average of $55,480.
What is the Cost of Living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Medical Records Specialists in this area?
The job market for Medical Records Specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, has a Location Quotient of 0.82, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.82 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that while Medical Records Specialists are employed in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, the density of these roles is slightly lower than the national average, implying a potentially moderate level of competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 1.001 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA