Average Medical Records Specialists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Medical Records Specialists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $62,810. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $55,480, indicating a premium placed on these vital healthcare support roles within this specific metropolitan region. The higher compensation is likely driven by a combination of factors unique to the area, including a robust healthcare sector and a higher demand for skilled administrative professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,370 Medical Records Specialists, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. While the Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and active job market. The figure of 0.76 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for these specialists within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Records Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+13.2%above the national average.
$30.2
$1,208
$5,234
Medical Records Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in this region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends in healthcare administration. As the healthcare industry continues to expand and evolve, the demand for efficient and accurate medical record management is expected to remain strong, likely driving consistent salary increases for skilled professionals in this sector.
Medical Records Specialists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The career trajectory for Medical Records Specialists typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between starting and senior salaries reflects the increasing value placed on expertise, leadership, and advanced knowledge in managing complex health information systems.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $43,670 | $21 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $47,108 | $22.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $57,730 | $27.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $78,513 | $37.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $89,580 | $43.1 |
Detailed Medical Records Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,810 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 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 region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not inflate this advantage, suggesting that the increased earnings are primarily a reflection of local market demand rather than a necessity to offset higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,370
Total Jobs
0.76
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.62x 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.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.62 for Medical Records Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria indicates that this profession is less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, with 2,370 professionals employed, there may be fewer specialists per capita than in other areas. This could translate to a competitive environment for job seekers, but also potentially greater opportunities for those with specialized skills or experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Records Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Medical Records Specialists Salary | $54,340↓ 13% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Medical Records Specialists Salary | $69,090↑ 10% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Medical Records Specialists Salary | $55,430↓ 12% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Medical Records Specialists Salary | $55,580↓ 12% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Medical Records Specialists Salary | $45,930↓ 27% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Medical Records Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Records Specialists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Medical Records Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $62,810. This typically ranges from $43,670 for entry-level positions to $89,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 13.2% higher than the national median of $55,480.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Medical Records Specialists.The average salary of $62,810 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Medical Records Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($54,340) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Medical Records Specialists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn an average of $62,810 annually, which is $7,330 more than the national average of $55,480.
What is the concentration of Medical Records Specialists in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.62, meaning the concentration of Medical Records Specialists is lower than the national average. There are approximately 0.76 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher salary of $62,810 offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
What is the total number of Medical Records Specialists in the area?
There are approximately 2,370 Medical Records Specialists employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,370 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.76 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV