A smiling female medical records technician in business-casual attire seated at a desk in a bright, modern medical office. She faces the camera with a computer screen displaying digital patient records. The background features a large window with a sunny California cityscape, including palm trees and urban architecture, creating a vibrant and professional atmosphere.

 

If you’re considering a career as a Medical Records Technician, understanding salary trends—particularly in California—can help you plan for long-term success. In this blog, we’ll explore current and projected salary outlooks, factors that influence pay, and the broader trends shaping this field. We’ll also offer tips on how to position yourself for a strong medical records technician salary through 2025.

 

The Role of a Medical Records Technician

Medical Records Technicians (also known as Medical Records Specialists or Health Information Technicians) focus on organizing, managing, and protecting healthcare data. Their work typically involves:

  • Maintaining Patient Records: Keeping electronic health records (EHRs) accurate and up-to-date.
  • Coding and Billing Support: Applying medical codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance claims.
  • Privacy and Compliance: Ensuring patient data is kept secure under regulations like HIPAA.
  • Data Quality Management: Collaborating with healthcare providers to verify the accuracy of patient data.

As the healthcare sector increasingly relies on digital systems, MRTs play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth flow of information among providers, insurance companies, and patients.

 

Current Salary Overview in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical Records Specialists earned a national median wage of $47,180 per year as of May 2022.

 

However, wages vary by location and experience. In California, the annual mean wage for Medical Records Specialists stood at around $55,420 in May 2022, according to BLS. 

 

This statewide average often runs higher than national figures due to California’s large healthcare market and higher cost of living. Where you work (hospital vs. private clinic) and the complexity of the role can further impact earnings.

 

Projected Salary Trends Through 2025

The BLS projects employment for medical records and health information specialists to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031—a rate slightly above average.

 

In California, factors like an aging population, widespread adoption of electronic health records, and ongoing healthcare reforms will likely sustain or even increase demand for qualified Medical Records Technicians. By 2025, expect:

  • Incremental Salary Growth: Rising competition for skilled workers in urban areas could boost wages.
  • Increased Specialization: Niche expertise, such as oncology or advanced coding (CPT, ICD-10), may yield higher pay.
  • Potential Remote Options: Virtual health initiatives could allow more administrative roles to be performed online, broadening the job market.

Though exact future figures are uncertain, these trends suggest a steady rise for well-prepared MRTs in the coming years.

 

Factors Influencing Medical Records Technician Salary

Several elements can affect your earning potential as a Medical Records Technician in California:

Geographic Location

Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego typically offer higher wages, reflecting both higher living costs and greater demand. Smaller towns may have lower salary ranges but could offer more affordable housing and possibly a better work-life balance.

Experience Level

Entry-level roles tend to pay less, but salaries often climb with experience in medical coding, regulatory compliance, and electronic records management. Demonstrating accuracy and reliability in coding can open doors to positions with greater responsibility and pay.

Certifications and Continuing Education

Professional certifications—such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)—often lead to higher salaries. These credentials validate your specialized knowledge and commitment to ongoing professional development, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Type of Employer

Hospitals and large healthcare organizations can usually pay more than small clinics. However, smaller employers might offer unique perks like flexible schedules or a less formal work environment. Weighing compensation against the overall benefits package can help you decide on the best fit.

Technological Proficiency

As data management grows more complex, familiarity with EHR platforms like Epic or Cerner can boost your earning potential. Employers value professionals who can navigate these systems efficiently and comply with strict data-protection regulations.

 

Emerging Trends Shaping 2025 Salaries

Several evolving trends could have a big impact on salary prospects in the next few years:

  • Telehealth Expansion: Remote consultations and patient monitoring will require strong data management, opening new opportunities for MRTs versed in telehealth documentation.
  • Big Data Analytics: Hospitals increasingly use patient data for research and improved care, creating roles blending health information management with data analysis.
  • Regulatory Changes: Healthcare legislation can shift rapidly. Professionals who stay current on compliance and billing rules may earn higher wages due to their specialized expertise.
  • AI and Automation: While technology may speed up tasks like coding, it can also heighten the need for oversight and auditing—areas where trained MRTs excel.

Keeping these shifts in mind can help you plan skill development for maximum career stability and salary growth.

 

Positioning Yourself for Success

To strengthen your prospects as a Medical Records Technician, consider the following steps:

  • Stay Current with Industry Trends: Refresh skills regularly to adapt to new regulations, coding systems, and EHR technologies.
  • Pursue Certifications: Credentials from recognized organizations (e.g., AHIMA) can set you apart in a competitive market.
  • Network in Healthcare Circles: Conferences, professional groups, and online forums are excellent ways to find job leads and learn about emerging best practices.
  • Develop Technological Proficiency: The more comfortable you are with electronic systems, the more invaluable you’ll be to employers.
  • Explore Specializations: Focus on a particular area like pediatrics, oncology, or mental health coding to potentially command higher wages.

 

Chart a Rewarding Career in California with NCC

If you’re seeking a stable, growth-oriented role that contributes to patient care from behind the scenes, consider becoming a Medical Records Technician. California’s booming healthcare industry, coupled with the ongoing shift toward electronic data management, makes this a prime moment to enter the field.

 

National Career College offers an Online Medical Office Specialist Program in California that covers essential skills like medical billing, coding, and record management—all of which are critical to succeeding as a Medical Records Technician. Delivered entirely online, this program gives you the flexibility to balance work, family, and education while preparing for a fast-paced healthcare environment. Contact us today to learn more.