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Medical Records Specialist Salary in San Diego, CA

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

Median Salary
$55,980
per year in San Diego
Entry Level
$38,942
Starting salary
Senior Level
$75,452
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
159
59% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,942$55,980$75,452
Monthly$3,245$4,665$6,288
Biweekly$1,498$2,153$2,902
Weekly$749$1,077$1,451
Hourly$19$27$36

San Diego vs National Average

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

San Diego Salary
$55,980
COL Index: 159
National Average
$51,260
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$4,720
Higher in San Diego

Cost of Living in San Diego

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,300
per month
Median Income
$69,845
per year
Population
1,423,851
residents
Rent % of Income
39.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 159 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Diego 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
+8%
Los Angeles, CA
$53,930
-4%
Chicago, IL
$49,790
-11%
Houston, TX
$48,940
-13%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,810
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Medical Records Specialist Salary in San Diego, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a medical records specialist in San Diego, CA is $55,980 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 159. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Diego's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level medical records specialist professionals in San Diego can expect to earn around $38,942 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level medical records specialists earning approximately $75,452 per year. This represents a 94% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Diego's cost of living index of 159 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Diego 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 San Diego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,300 per month, housing represents about 49.3% 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 San Diego, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.