Breaking Down the Entry-Level Health Information Management Salary: What You Need to Know

Breaking Down the Entry-Level Health Information Management Salary: What You Need to Know

The health information management (HIM) field is rapidly expanding and fast becoming a popular career choice for individuals passionate about health and technology. If you’re considering a career in this field, one of your top concerns may be the salary you can expect at entry-level. This article will provide you with a thorough breakdown of the entry-level HIM salary and everything you need to know.

Introduction
The health information management sector is growing, and this growth has created various opportunities for individuals to join the field. However, the salary at entry-level is one of the major concerns for prospective employees. By reading this article, you can get a comprehensive overview of the typical entry-level salary in health information management.

What is Health Information Management?
Before we go further, let’s first define what health information management is. HIM involves managing medical data and information in health care settings. This data may include patients’ medical histories, test results, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Health information managers ensure that this data is accurate, complete, and secure.

Entry-Level Health Information Management Salary
According to PayScale, the average entry-level salary of a health information manager in the United States is $42,000 per year. The salary may range from $30,000 to $56,000, depending on factors such as the location of the job, education, and experience. Entry-level health information management roles may include positions such as health information technician, medical coder, medical records clerk, and health information analyst.

Factors that Affect Entry-Level Health Information Management Salary
As previously mentioned, several factors can impact how much a health information manager can earn at entry-level. Below are some of the critical factors that may affect your salary as an entry-level health information manager:

1. Location: The location of the job can significantly impact the salary of an entry-level health information manager. For instance, HIM professionals in cities tend to earn more than those in rural areas.

2. Education: Education is another factor that can affect how much you earn as an entry-level health information manager. A bachelor’s degree is usually preferred, and some employers may require it. Having additional certifications or degrees can also lead to a higher salary.

3. Experience: The amount of experience a health information manager has can also affect their entry-level salary. Candidates with some experience in the field, even if just through internships, may be better positioned to land jobs with higher salaries.

4. The demand for specific skills: There may be specific skills or knowledge areas that are in higher demand in certain regions or industries, and these can lead to higher salaries for certain HIM professionals.

Case Study: Health Information Management Graduate
Mary recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. She was thrilled to start her career in the field and become a health information manager. After sending out numerous applications, she received several job offers. One job was with an outpatient clinic in rural Ohio, while the other was with a large hospital in Los Angeles.

Mary decided to accept the job with the hospital, which offered an annual salary of $50,000. She felt that the opportunities for growth were much better in Los Angeles than in rural Ohio. After a year of gaining experience in the field, Mary went back to school to pursue a Master’s degree. She started working with a new employer that paid her a higher salary after obtaining her Master’s degree.

Conclusion
As you can see, the entry-level HIM salary can vary, depending on various factors such as education, location, and experience. Although an average entry-level salary of $42,000 may not sound high, HIM careers offer room for growth and higher salaries as employees gain more experience and knowledge. Remember, the road to a thriving career in health information management requires dedication to learning and professional growth.