How much does a health records tech make?
a year · about $33 an hour
A typical health records tech in the United States makes $68,020 a year, about $33 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They spend much of the day at a computer, checking patient records for errors, updating databases, and keeping private information secure. They may make reports about treatments or patient outcomes and teach staff how to use electronic record systems.
Did you know? Cancer-registry data sent to the CDC leaves out patients’ names, street addresses, and Social Security numbers.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $39,830 and $117,420How do you become one?
In the U.S., study biology, anatomy, computer science, and math in high school, then earn at least an associate degree; some jobs need a bachelor's or higher. Employers may prefer certification, which can require education, experience, and an exam.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, certifications, employer, and location; hospitals, clinics, and other workplaces may pay differently. Specialties such as cancer records or data analysis, and overtime or shift work, can also affect earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Minnesota ($90,760), lowest in Oklahoma ($45,210).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,830 | $68,020 | $117,420 | about 38,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $90,760 | about 1,000 |
| California | $90,750 | about 3,000 |
| Wisconsin | $89,260 | about 650 |
| Oregon | $86,230 | about 660 |
| Massachusetts | $81,420 | about 880 |
Official definition: Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases. Excludes “Medical Records Specialists” (29‐2072).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registra
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-9021.00
- www.cdc.gov/national-program-cancer-registries/about/how-cancer-registries-work.
- www.ncra-usa.org/About/Become-a-Cancer-Registrar/What-Do-Cancer-Registrars-Do
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY