What does a medical records specialist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Medical records specialists compile, process and maintain patient files, and many assign clinical codes using the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. A postsecondary certificate is usual. BLS reports a median pay of $51,140 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-2072 |
| O*NET code | 29-2072.00 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Median annual wage | $51,140 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 8 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 200,700 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a medical records specialist do?
BLS says medical records specialists check records for timeliness, completeness and accuracy, assign clinical codes for diagnoses, procedures and services, maintain and retrieve records for insurance billing and data analysis, electronically record, store and report data, and protect patient confidentiality.
Work environment
They typically spend many hours at a computer, and most work full time. Hospitals employ 28 percent, physician offices 18 percent, professional, scientific and technical services 10 percent and administrative and support services 8 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a postsecondary certificate is usual, though some enter with a high school diploma and others need an associate's degree. Certification may be required or preferred and typically involves passing an exam.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills, attention to detail, integrity and interpersonal skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a medical records specialist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $51,140 for medical records specialists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of medical records specialists to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 14,000 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Ask employers which certification they prefer for coding roles before you choose a program.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Medical assistants, Pharmacy technicians, Medical and health services managers, Health information technologists and medical registrars.
Frequently asked questions
What do medical records specialists do? BLS says they compile, process and maintain patient files, assign clinical codes, support insurance billing and data analysis, and protect patient confidentiality.
Is certification required? BLS says certification may be required or preferred and typically involves passing an exam. Check what employers in your area ask for.
How much do medical records specialists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $51,140 for medical records specialists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is medical records specialist a good career? BLS projects 8 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 14,000 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do? Pay, Outlook
- Medical and Health Services Manager: Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical records specialists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-specialists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2072.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2072.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.