The Truth About Health Information Management Salaries: What You Need to Know
For anyone looking to start a career in Health Information Management (HIM), the question of salary is always top of mind. What kind of salary can you expect as an entry-level HIM professional? Are HIM salaries competitive compared to other healthcare professions? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of HIM salaries to give you a clear understanding of what you can expect.
What is Health Information Management?
Before we dive into HIM salaries, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what Health Information Management actually is. HIM is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. This includes everything from patient data and medical histories to billing records and insurance information.
As the healthcare industry continues to shift towards electronic records and digital data management, HIM professionals have become an increasingly important part of the healthcare workforce.
HIM Salary Ranges
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical and Health Services Managers (which includes Health Information Management) was $100,980 as of May 2020. Entry-level HIM professionals can expect to earn anywhere from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on their location and experience.
However, it’s important to note that HIM salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, education, credentials, and geographic location. HIM professionals with advanced degrees and certifications often earn significantly higher salaries than those without.
Factors That Affect HIM Salaries
Now that we’ve covered the general range of HIM salaries, let’s take a deeper dive into the factors that can affect how much you can expect to earn as an HIM professional.
Education and Certifications
As mentioned earlier, HIM professionals with advanced degrees and certifications can expect to earn higher salaries than those without. For example, HIM professionals with a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification can earn over $80,000 per year on average. Similarly, HIM professionals with a Master’s degree can earn significantly more than those with just a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience
Experience is another major factor that can affect HIM salaries. Entry-level HIM professionals can expect to earn less than those with several years of experience. Additionally, experience in a specific area of HIM (such as coding or privacy and security) can command higher salaries.
Geographic Location
Geographic location is also a key factor in HIM salaries. In general, HIM professionals in high-cost-of-living areas (such as major metropolitan areas) can expect to earn higher salaries than those in low-cost-of-living areas. However, it’s important to research the specific job market in your area to get a clear understanding of what HIM professionals are currently earning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HIM salaries can vary widely depending on several factors such as education, certifications, experience, and geographic location. However, entry-level HIM professionals can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the potential for significant salary increases as they gain more experience and credentials.
If you’re considering a career in Health Information Management, it’s important to do your research and understand the factors that can affect your salary. By staying informed and continuously working to improve your skills and education, you can set yourself up for long-term success and a lucrative career in HIM.
