10 Emerging Health Information Jobs in 2022

• Health information specialists analyze data and protect patient confidentiality.
• Many health information management jobs pay salaries above the median wage of $45,760 per year.
• The field offers many advancement opportunities with experience or a degree.

Within the healthcare industry, health informatics plays a critical role. Health information specialists like medical coders, health information managers, and clinical systems managers help healthcare organizations analyze data and run efficiently.

With entry-level roles available for professionals with a certificate or college degree, health information also offers many pathways to career advancement. Our guide introduces 10 key health information management jobs to break into the field or advance your career.

10 Jobs In Health Information

Health Information Manager

• Average Salary (August 2022): $58,200
• Job Outlook: 32%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in business, information management, or healthcare management

Health information managers oversee the record-keeping at healthcare organizations. They make sure organizations maintain complete and accurate information, often using health information management software. Health information managers may also create and implement information systems.

These jobs typically require certification as a registered health information technician or a registered health information administrator. Some bring experience in medical billing and coding to their role. Health information managers typically work in healthcare organizations, federal departments, or the insurance industry.

Medical Coder

• Average Salary (August 2022): $45,240
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: Certificate in medical coding

Medical coders interpret information from healthcare providers to create patient health records or billing and insurance claims. They need a strong understanding of medical terminology to record diagnostic information or treatment plans. Medical coders must review patient health records, identify relevant information, and code that information in the organization's health records.

A medical coding career typically requires a certificate or associate degree in medical coding. Medical coders may work in healthcare organizations or for the insurance industry. In addition to knowing medical terminology, medical coders benefit from understanding database management. Optional certifications include the certified professional coder, registered health information technician, or certified coding associate credentials.

Data Analyst

• Average Salary (August 2022): $63,440
• Job Outlook: 20%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in data science, data analytics, information technology, or a related field

Data analysts collect and assess information. In healthcare settings, they may conduct surveys, analyze clinical data, or interpret data related to healthcare costs. Data analysts help healthcare organizations run smoothly by suggesting improvements backed by data. For example, they might analyze patient satisfaction data to recommend procedural changes.

In addition to analyzing data, these health information jobs may require automating procedures or presenting results to decision-makers in the organization. A background in data visualization helps data analysts. Those analyzing more clinical information may also need a health science background.

Clinical Documentation Specialist

• Average Salary (August 2022): $76,800
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing or health information management

Clinical documentation specialists help healthcare facilities maintain their records. They manage patient records, physician recommendations, and healthcare referrals. Clinical documentation specialists also ensure that healthcare providers can access these documents when caring for patients.

These roles require strong data management and database experience. Clinical documentation specialists use patient records software programs to manage data. They must also respond to queries and process information quickly. These roles require analytical and information management skills. Some employers prefer to hire clinical documentation specialists with clinical experience, such as nursing experience.

Clinical Informatics Manager

• Average Salary (June 2022): $99,360
• Job Outlook: 32%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in health science, healthcare management, information technology, or a related field

Clinical informatics managers oversee an organization's clinical data analysis. They collect and analyze clinical data in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Clinical informatics managers recommend data management systems to improve efficiency based on their analyses. They also provide information to clinical professionals about outcomes.

Some employers prefer to hire clinical informatics managers who hold a master's degree. The role may also require clinical or information systems management experience. Clinical informatics managers work closely with specialists in other health information jobs to provide data to healthcare organizations.

Medical Research Analyst

• Average Salary (August 2022): $78,070
• Job Outlook: 25%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in health science, biology, or a related field

Medical research analysts collect and analyze data related to medical studies. They may specialize in analyzing data on a medication or treatment's effectiveness. In addition to working with clinicians, some medical research analysts interact with patients. They collect information from patients and record data.

A health science, informatics, or information technology background helps medical research analysts manage data and analyze information. Medical research analysts may work in laboratories, medical research facilities, or hospitals.

Health Information Technician

• Average Salary (July 2022): $44,980
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: Associate degree in health information technology
• Licenses/Certifications: Registered health information technician credential

Health information technicians maintain medical records and organize patient data. They check medical records for accuracy, update information, and analyze data. As part of their responsibilities, health information technicians maintain patient confidentiality.

The role requires an understanding of medical terminology, which many gain through a health information technology program. These jobs also require good communication and data management skills. Health information technicians typically work in hospitals, doctor's offices, and other healthcare facilities.

Cancer Registrar

• Average Salary (August 2022): $56,460
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: Associate degree in cancer registry management or a related field
• Licenses/Certifications: Certified tumor registrar required in some states

Cancer registrars collect medical data to help clinical practitioners manage a patient's cancer treatment. They evaluate data on a diagnosis and treatment to monitor progression for individual patients, as well as identify patterns for the larger population. As part of their responsibilities, cancer registrars provide data used for screening and prevention programs.

These roles require medical terminology training and strong data management skills. Cancer registrars collect data from multiple medical facilities and centralize them in a cancer registry. They typically hold a credential from the National Cancer Registrars Association.

Insurance Claims Analyst

• Average Salary (August 2022): $55,290
• Job Outlook: -3%
• Required Education: Bachelor's in health administration, business, or a related field

Insurance claims analysts who specialize in the healthcare field review and process claims. They examine documents related to health insurance expenses and coordinate with healthcare providers and insurance companies. Insurance claims analysts also manage claims files and maintain databases with insurance-related records.

Most employers prefer to hire medical claims analysts who hold a college degree that includes healthcare or business training. The role requires strong analytical skills, data management abilities, and attention to detail. Medical claims analysts also need good communication skills.

Pharmacy Informatics Coordinator

• Average Salary (July 2022): $78,340
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in health science or healthcare management

Pharmacy informatics coordinators oversee information systems for pharmaceutical companies. They maintain record systems and provide clinical information to practitioners and researchers. In addition, they manage the information systems by creating procedures to catalog data and monitor medicine dispensing.

A pharmacy informatics coordinator typically requires a background in healthcare and information technology management. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree that includes pharmacy training. With experience, pharmacy informatics coordinators can move into roles like pharmacy informatics managers.

Editor's note: Some of the salary numbers above may be based on relatively small samples, and potential salaries could vary widely depending on the employer.

How to Get Started In Health Information

Many health information jobs report strong projected job growth. But what's the best way to launch a career in health information?

Health Information Salary

The average health information salary varies depending on the role. Medical coders who can enter the field with a one-year certificate earn around $17 per hour for entry-level roles, according to August 2022 data from Payscale. In addition, Payscale reports that experienced clinical informatics managers earn six-figure salaries, as of June 2022. The earning potential depends on the role, industry, and experience.

How to Find a Health Information Job

Prospective health information professionals can begin their job search while in school. Many colleges offer career services support, including job assessments, resume reviews, mock interviews, and career fairs. These resources help graduates find entry-level positions.

Students can also consider internships to gain hands-on skills and connect with potential employers. Other networking opportunities, such as attending networking events or connecting on LinkedIn, can also help graduates find jobs.

Many healthcare employers post job openings on job search sites or use recruiters. Job candidates can also join health information professional organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to identify job openings. AHIMA offers a career assist site with health information management jobs.

Health Information Professional Organizations

• American Health Information Management Association: AHIMA represents specialists in health information. The association offers professional certifications, educational resources, and tools for students.
• American Medical Informatics Association: AMIA advocates for medical informatics professionals. The association provides information about career paths, hosts networking events, and publishes resources. Job-seekers can also visit the AMIA job board for career opportunities.
• Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society: A nonprofit organization, HIMSS provides resources on information management in healthcare. Members can attend regional events or a global conference, participate in webinars, and connect through HIMSS communities. The society also offers discounted student memberships.
• Healthcare Data and Analytics Association: A volunteer organization, HDAA brings together data and analytics professionals who specialize in healthcare. The association hosts conferences with networking and professional development opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Information Jobs

Is health information a good career?

The health information field offers many opportunities for above-average salaries and career growth. According to BLS projections, healthcare occupations will add 2.6 million jobs from 2020-2030. Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on health information professionals to manage data and make decisions.

Several employers hire professionals without a bachelor's degree, including medical coder, health information technician, and cancer registrar. Those with a bachelor's degree or higher can move into roles like health information manager or clinical systems manager. These roles blend healthcare and business with an emphasis on data analysis.

What is the highest-paying health information job?

One of the highest-paid health information jobs is clinical informatics manager. According to June 2022 data from Payscale, clinical informatics managers report an average salary of $99,360. Other management roles also report high salaries. Medical and health services managers, including health information managers, earned a median salary of $101,340 per year in May 2021, according to BLS data.

Many of these roles require a bachelor's degree or higher and work experience. Some clinical health information jobs also require clinical experience. When researching health information management jobs, make sure to check the educational and experience requirements in addition to average salaries in your area.

What is the best health information job?

Some of the best health information technology jobs for those with an associate degree include health information technician and cancer registrar. A two-year degree prepares graduates for these roles.

Those with a bachelor's degree can increase their salary by pursuing opportunities in health informatics and health information management. With experience, health information professionals can move into specialized roles and increase their earning potential.

Is a degree in health information technology worth it?

Yes. Most health information technology programs take two years to complete. They prepare graduates for in-demand roles like health information technician or cancer registrar. According to August 2022 Payscale data, health information technicians report an average salary of $44,980 per year, while cancer registrars earn an average pay of over $56,000.

Like other healthcare occupations, these fields also benefit from good projected job growth. After gaining experience as a health information technician, professionals can move into management roles. An affordable health information technology degree can provide professionals with a positive return on investment.

Is health information management in demand?

Health information management roles report strong demand. The medical and health service management field, which includes health information management jobs, reports 32% projected job growth from 2020-2030, according to the BLS. That translates into over 50,000 job openings annually on average for healthcare managers.

A bachelor's degree in healthcare management, health information management, or information systems prepares graduates for these roles. Some employers prefer to hire professionals with a master's degree. With experience, health information managers can move into roles like health information director or chief privacy officer.