Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in Washington
Medical Records Specialists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,020, significantly surpassing the national average of $55,480. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Washington's robust economy and a higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in this vital healthcare support role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,280 Medical Records Specialists and a Location Quotient of 1.22, Washington demonstrates a strong and slightly above-average concentration of these professionals. This indicates a healthy demand for their services within the state, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in Washington earns+22.6%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,308
$5,668
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 Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, technological advancements in record management, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Medical Records Specialists in Washington is marked by a clear salary scaling from entry-level to senior positions. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals typically command higher salaries, reflecting their accumulated knowledge, specialized skills, and increased responsibilities. The percentile gaps in earnings signify distinct levels of career advancement and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $51,015 | $24.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,250 | $29.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $85,025 | $40.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $96,740 | $46.5 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,096
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $68,020 in Washington presents a mixed financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or slightly above, the national average, requiring careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
5,280
Total Jobs
1.491
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Records Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
Washington's Location Quotient of 1.22 for Medical Records Specialists indicates a job market that is 22% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust demand and a slightly more competitive environment for these roles compared to the rest of the country, implying that employers may actively seek out qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $74,020↑ 9% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $54,110↓ 20% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $58,900↓ 13% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $56,770↓ 17% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Medical Records Specialists Salary | $52,130↓ 23% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Medical Records Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in Washington is $68,020. This typically ranges from $44,100 for entry-level positions to $96,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 22.6% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Medical Records Specialists.The average salary of $68,020 significantly exceeds the national average, and the higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.22) points to strong demand.
Is Washington a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($74,020) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's cost of living affect a Medical Records Specialist's salary?
Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that everyday expenses are 15.1% higher than the national average. While the $68,020 salary is substantial, it needs to cover these increased costs.
What is the job outlook for Medical Records Specialists in Washington?
The job outlook appears positive, with a healthy concentration of jobs (LQ 1.22) and a total local workforce of 5,280, suggesting consistent demand for these professionals.
How many Medical Records Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Washington?
There are approximately 1.491 Medical Records Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in Washington, indicating a notable presence of this occupation within the state's labor market.
Is the salary for Medical Records Specialists in Washington significantly higher than the national average?
Yes, the average annual salary of $68,020 in Washington is substantially higher than the national average of $55,480, representing a significant difference in earning potential.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,280 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.491 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Medical Records Specialists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Records Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington