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Medical Records Specialist Salary in Columbia, SC

How much does a medical records specialist make in Columbia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Columbia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$47,492
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$33,038
Starting salary
Senior Level
$64,012
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how medical records specialist salaries break down across different pay periods in Columbia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$33,038$47,492$64,012
Monthly$2,753$3,958$5,334
Biweekly$1,271$1,827$2,462
Weekly$635$913$1,231
Hourly$16$23$31

Columbia vs National Average

How Columbia's medical records specialist salaries compare to national figures.

Columbia Salary
$47,492
COL Index: 109
National Average
$51,260
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$3,768
Lower in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
127,029
residents
Rent % of Income
34.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Medical Records Specialist

Overview

Organize, maintain, and manage patient medical records and documentation.

Education

High school diploma; medical records certification preferred

Key Skills

Medical Records ManagementData EntryOrganizationHIPAA Compliance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Medical Records Specialist Salary

See Medical Records Specialist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,610
+28%
Los Angeles, CA
$53,930
+14%
Chicago, IL
$49,790
+5%
Houston, TX
$48,940
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,810
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Medical Records Specialist Salary in Columbia, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a medical records specialist in Columbia, SC is $47,492 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level medical records specialist professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $33,038 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level medical records specialists earning approximately $64,012 per year. This represents a 94% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $51,260, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a medical records specialist's salary in Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 39.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Medical Records Specialists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Columbia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.