Are you considering a career in health information management (HIM)? With the healthcare industry continuing to expand and digitize, the demand for HIM professionals is increasing—and so is the earning potential. In this article, we’ll break down the latest trends in health information management salary, including job roles, location-based earnings, and tips to boost your income in this fast-growing field.
What Is Health Information Management?
Health Information Management (HIM) is the process of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting patient medical data. These professionals ensure health records are accurate, accessible, and secure—whether stored digitally or on paper.
Popular HIM job roles include:
Health Information Technician
Medical Records Technician
Medical Coding Specialist
Clinical Data Analyst
HIM Manager or Director
Compliance Officer
Data Quality Specialist
Factors That Influence Health Information Management Salary
Your salary in the HIM field depends on multiple variables. Here are the top factors that affect how much you can earn:
1. Education Level
Associate Degree: Good for entry-level roles like coding or records technician.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Opens the door to management and data analysis positions.
2. Professional Certifications
Credentials such as RHIA, RHIT, CCS, and CHDA can significantly increase your salary in HIM roles.
3. Experience
With 5–10 years of experience, many HIM professionals move into higher-paying leadership or specialist positions.
4. Geographic Location
Salaries are often higher in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts due to cost of living and demand.
5. Type of Employer
Working in hospitals or private healthcare systems usually pays more than nonprofits or government health departments.
Average HIM Salaries in 2025 (USA)
Here’s a breakdown of the average annual salaries by job title:
Job Title
Average Salary (Annual)
Health Information Technician
$48,000 – $55,000
Medical Coding Specialist
$50,000 – $65,000
Clinical Data Analyst
$70,000 – $85,000
Health Information Manager
$80,000 – $95,000
Compliance Officer
$90,000 – $110,000
HIM Director
$100,000 – $130,000+
Entry-Level vs. Senior-Level HIM Salaries
Here’s how your salary can grow over time:
Entry-Level (0–2 years): $40,000 – $55,000
Mid-Level (3–7 years): $55,000 – $80,000
Senior-Level (8+ years): $85,000 – $120,000
Executive (Director/VP): $120,000 – $160,000+
HIM Salary by U.S. Location
Where you live can make a major difference in your earnings. Here are state averages for HIM managers:
State
Average Salary
California
$110,000
New York
$105,000
Texas
$90,000
Florida
$85,000
Illinois
$95,000
North Carolina
$82,000
Tip: Use this data to guide job searches or salary negotiations!
Best Certifications to Increase Your HIM Salary
Professional certifications not only boost your resume but also your paycheck.
Top HIM certifications include:
RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)
CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
CHDA (Certified Health Data Analyst)
CHPS (Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security)
These certifications are offered by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) and are highly respected in the industry.
Career Outlook for Health Information Management
The future looks bright for HIM professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 8% job growth for medical records and health information specialists from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations.
Key drivers of growth:
Digital transformation of health records
Increase in healthcare regulations and audits
Growth of telehealth and remote patient care
More emphasis on data-driven decisions in healthcare
How to Maximize Your HIM Salary
Want to earn more? Follow these tips:
Get Certified: RHIA and CCS can dramatically boost your salary.
Advance Your Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree pays off.
Gain Experience: Stay in your role longer and aim for promotions.
Stay Updated: Keep learning about new healthcare laws and tech.
Network: Join AHIMA or other associations for job leads and mentorship.
Specialize: Focus on high-paying niches like compliance, analytics, or privacy.
Conclusion: Is Health Information Management a Good Career in 2025?
Absolutely! With competitive salaries, solid job growth, and opportunities for advancement, health information management is a smart career choice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move into leadership, there’s room to grow—financially and professionally. Stay educated, stay certified, and your salary will reflect your expertise.