Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
O*NET 29-9021.00 · SOC 29-9021
Health Information Technologist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $68k a year with +15.9% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 3,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Assign diagnostic and procedure codes to patient medical records
- →Maintain and update electronic health record databases daily
- →Ensure medical records meet regulatory and accreditation standards
- →Abstract clinical data from charts for registries or reporting
- →Audit records for completeness, accuracy, and proper documentation
Education & How to Get In
Most Health Information Technologist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Health Information Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Health Information Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Health Information Technologist Roles
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Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars is projected to grow 15.9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·50% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Health Information Technologist make?
The median Health Information Technologist earns $68k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Health Information Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Health Information Technologist at 29 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 50% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Health Information Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 15.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 3,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Health Information Technologist?
Most Health Information Technologist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Health Information Technologist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Health Information Technologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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