The Average Health Information Management Technician Salary: What You Need to Know
Health Information Management Technicians (HIMT) play an essential role in managing, organizing, and analyzing medical records and patient information in healthcare facilities. They are responsible for maintaining the accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of health information data. Considering the crucial role played by HIMT, it’s important to understand the average salary of professionals in this field.
The average salary of a Health Information Management Technician is influenced by various factors that contribute to their professional growth. Typically, the salary depends on the level of education, experience, skills, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 in May 2020. However, the salary range varies from $27,820 to $73,660, depending on the aforementioned factors.
Education Level
Having a certificate or an associate’s degree in Health Information Management Technology, which is the minimum educational requirement, can increase your earning potential. A certificate holder can earn an average of $42,640 per year, while an associate degree holder can earn an average of $45,500 annually.
Experience and Skills
Experience is a critical factor in determining the salary of a Health Information Management Technician. As per PayScale, those with less than one year of experience earn an average of $14.90 per hour, while the experienced HIMT professionals (10-19 years) can earn an average salary of $21.02 per hour.
Moreover, Certified Health Data Analysts have more job opportunities and earn a higher wage than those without certification. This certification demonstrates an individual has advanced knowledge of Medical coding, data analysis, and management. Certified Health Data Analysts can earn an average of $67,500 annually.
Geographic Location
The salary range of a Health Information Management Technician varies based on the geographical location. Rural areas with smaller healthcare facilities may offer lower pay, while larger facilities in urban regions may offer higher salaries. The top-paying states for Health Information Management Technicians are New Jersey, Alaska, and Maryland, while Montana, South Carolina, and Arkansas offer an average salary on the lower end of the scale.
Conclusion
Health Information Management Technicians play a critical role in maintaining the quality of Healthcare systems worldwide. With the increasing demand for qualified professionals, ample opportunities to grow and increase salary levels exist. Therefore, it is important to consider obtaining additional certification and skills to increase your earning potential in this growing field. Finally, reviewing the different factors that influence the average salary can be a helpful guide to determining your own future salary expectations.
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