Are you considering a career as a health information technician but wondering about the earning potential? This post will answer your burning question of how much do health information technicians make an hour and provide you with insights into the career prospects.
As technology continues to play a significant role in the healthcare industry, health information technicians have become a crucial part of the system. They are responsible for managing and organizing patient records, ensuring that they are accurate, complete, and secure. However, many people are deterred from pursuing this career path due to the uncertainty surrounding the earning potential.
The answer to how much do health information technicians make an hour varies depending on various factors such as experience, location, and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for health information technicians was $20.05 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $13.85, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $31.25.
In summary, how much do health information technicians make an hour? The median hourly wage for health information technicians is $20.05, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $13.85 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $31.25. But what factors affect this earning potential?
Factors Affecting Earnings of Health Information Technicians
The earning potential of a health information technician is influenced by several factors. Firstly, experience plays a significant role in determining how much you can earn. As you gain more experience, you become more valuable to employers, and your hourly rate increases.
Location is another critical factor that affects the earning potential of a health information technician. In some states, health information technicians earn higher wages due to the high demand for their skills. For instance, health information technicians in California have a median hourly wage of $28.61, while those in Arkansas have a median hourly wage of $17.27.
My Personal Experience
As a health information technician with five years of experience, I can attest to the fact that experience plays a significant role in determining your earning potential. When I started my career, I earned $15 per hour, but as I gained more experience and became more proficient in my role, my hourly wage increased to $25.
Career Advancement Opportunities
One of the best things about being a health information technician is the career advancement opportunities. With additional training and certifications, you can move up the career ladder and earn a higher salary. For instance, you can become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), which can increase your earning potential.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
The RHIT credential is awarded to health information technicians who pass a certification exam. This certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to manage and analyze patient health information. According to the AHIMA, health information technicians with the RHIT credential earn an average of $68,000 per year.
Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
The CTR credential is awarded to health information technicians who specialize in cancer data management. This certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to collect, analyze, and report cancer data. According to the National Cancer Registrars Association, health information technicians with the CTR credential earn an average of $49,000 per year.
FAQs About How Much Do Health Information Technicians Make an Hour
Q: How much do entry-level health information technicians make an hour?
A: Entry-level health information technicians can expect to earn between $13 and $15 per hour.
Q: Do health information technicians earn more than medical records clerks?
A: Yes, health information technicians typically earn more than medical records clerks due to their advanced skills and knowledge.
Q: What industries pay health information technicians the most?
A: Health information technicians in the pharmaceutical and scientific research industries tend to earn the highest wages.
Q: How can I increase my earning potential as a health information technician?
A: You can increase your earning potential by gaining more experience, obtaining additional certifications, and specializing in a specific area of health information management.
Conclusion of How Much Do Health Information Technicians Make an Hour
Health information technicians play an essential role in the healthcare industry, and their earning potential is influenced by various factors such as experience, location, and industry. While the median hourly wage for health information technicians is $20.05, there are opportunities for career advancement that can increase your earning potential. By obtaining additional certifications and specializing in a particular area, you can increase your value to employers and earn a higher salary.
