Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, Medical Records Specialists earn an average annual salary of $46,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $55,480, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre region plays a significant role in shaping the pay scales for this vital healthcare support role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,390.
- Outlook: The Medical Records Specialist job market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, shows a moderate concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.75. With a total local workforce of 230 individuals in this role, the market is neither saturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand compared to national benchmarks. The presence of approximately 0.917 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment environment for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-17.0%below the national average.
$22.2
$886
$3,839
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Records Specialists, mirroring national trends, have likely seen incremental growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing healthcare data complexity, evolving regulatory requirements, and general inflation typically drive modest annual salary increases in specialized administrative roles within the healthcare sector.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Medical Records Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is typically marked by increasing salary levels commensurate with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of health information management systems and compliance can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as specialists gain expertise and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $31,490 | $15.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,553 | $16.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $44,370 | $21.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $57,588 | $27.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $62,390 | $30 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,070 for Medical Records Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Scranton--Wilkes-Barre for this role does not present an immediate financial advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.917
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, market for Medical Records Specialists is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present, it is not a primary hub for this profession. The job market is likely stable, with a consistent need for these specialists, but perhaps fewer opportunities for rapid career acceleration or a wide array of specialized roles compared to more concentrated metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Medical Records Specialists Salary | $55,720↑ 21% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Medical Records Specialists Salary | $51,760↑ 12% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $50,190↑ 9% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $52,440↑ 14% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $53,780↑ 17% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $46,070. This typically ranges from $31,490 for entry-level positions to $62,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 17.0% lower than the national median of $55,480.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $46,070 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar. The lower concentration suggests a stable but not high-demand market.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($55,720) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does experience affect Medical Records Specialist salaries in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
Experience significantly impacts earnings, with entry-level roles paying less and senior specialists with advanced skills and responsibilities earning considerably more, reflecting typical career progression.
What is the job outlook for Medical Records Specialists in this region?
The outlook is stable, with a moderate concentration of roles and a consistent, though not explosive, demand indicated by the jobs per 1,000 workers metric.
Does the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre impact the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $46,070 salary has equivalent purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationwide.
How does Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compare to national averages for this role?
The average salary is lower than the national average, and the concentration of the profession (Location Quotient) is also below the national average, indicating a less prominent market for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 0.917 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA