Health Information Technician
Health Information Technicians (HITs), also called medical records technicians, are the guardians of patient health information in healthcare organizations.
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Getting Started
How to Become a Health Information Technician
At 2 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2 years) at an estimated cost of $18k–$60k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for health information technician practice.
Begin Working
Health Information Technician earn a median salary of $49k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Pathway quick answers
- How do you become a Health Information Technician?Complete required education, licensing, and supervised training for Health Information Technician.
- How long does it take?Typical path to first paid role: 2 years.
- How much does it cost?Estimated education and training cost range: $18k-$60k (living expenses excluded).
Estimates use College Scorecard tuition data plus cited pathway and licensing requirements.
Overview
What Does a Health Information Technician Do?
Health Information Technicians (HITs), also called medical records technicians, are the guardians of patient health information in healthcare organizations. You'll serve as the critical bridge between clinicians, administrators, and IT systems, ensuring that patient data is accurate, complete, accessible, and secure. While you won't provide direct patient care, your work is essential for quality patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial stability.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Health Information Technician Make?
At $49k/yr, health information technician earn less than the $74k/yr average for Associate Degree-level careers.
$49k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Information Technician | $49k/yr |
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist | $49k/yr |
| Medical Assistant | $42k/yr |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37k/yr |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | $42k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
After investing roughly $39k in education, health information technician typically begin earning within 2 years. Based on entry-level salaries of $37k/yr growing toward a $49k/yr median. The average education cost for Associate Degree-level careers is $26k.
Health Information Technician ROI
Net earnings over 20 years
$839k
Pre-tax 20-year estimate after required education and training costs; taxes and living expenses excluded.
How the 20-year estimate is calculated
Health Information Technician Career ROI (20-year net earnings)
Track how education costs and earnings typically accumulate from enrollment through year 20.
Cumulative net earnings (USD)
The full chart keeps 20-year context. The detail chart below zooms in on early pathway years.
Sources: BLS, Accreditor, College ScorecardSee Sources and methods.
Early-years detail
Years 0-8
Years 0-8. Scaled to early-year values. Black markers show key checkpoints.
Quick answers
- Is becoming a Health Information Technician financially worth it?Typical 20-year net estimate: $839k (pre-tax, living expenses excluded).
- How much does training cost for a Health Information Technician?Estimated required education and licensing cost to become a Health Information Technician: $39k (range used: $18k-$60k). Breakdown: Associate Degree in Health Information Technology: $39k; RHIT Certification Exam: $264.
- How long does it take to become a Health Information Technician?Typical time to first paycheck is about 2 years. Typical time to enter the target Health Information Technician role is about 2 years.
- How do you become a Health Information Technician?See How to Become for pathway steps, timing, and credential requirements.
Detailed math
How 20-year net is built from each training and career phase.
| Phase | Time window | Gross earnings | Education/training cost | Net contribution | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Associate Degree in Health Information Technology Education | Years 0-1 (m0-m23) | $0 | -$39,015 | -$39,015 | |
RHIT Certification Exam Training/Licensing | Year 2 (m24-m24) | $0 | -$264 | -$264 | |
Health Information Technician Career | Years 2-19 (m24-m237) | $869,910 | $0 | $869,910 | |
Model reconciliation Reconciliation | Years 0-20 (m0-m239) | $8,130 | $0 | $8,130 | None |
| 20-year totals | $878,040 | -$39,279 | $838,761 | Matches 20-year ROI formula | |
Sources and methods
Sources
Assumptions
- Pathway sequence and timing follow the cited training and licensing pathway for this role.BLS
- Earnings benchmarks come from cited occupation wage references.BLS
- Education and training cost uses College Scorecard tuition and cited pathway fees when needed.College Scorecard
- Cost allocation follows a model rule: short completed steps post in completion year; longer tuition steps are spread across phase years.Model ruleBLSCollege Scorecard
- Taxes and living expenses are excluded from this estimate.Model rule
Future-Proofing
Health Information Technician Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 7.8% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 7% average for Associate Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
7.8%
Faster than average
Current Employment
235,000
jobs nationwide
AI Impact
Moderate AI Impact
Health Information Technician roles have moderate AI impact — roughly average AI exposure among Associate Degree-level careers. AI tools augment several tasks, but core duties still require human expertise.
Why It's Safe
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment
- +Repairing and maintaining electronic equipment
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
What Could Be Automated
- −Getting information
- −Monitoring processes, materials, or surroundings
- −Processing information
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
- −Analyzing data or information
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical Assistant
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Administrative Assistant
Patient Care Coordinator
Learn More
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Sources
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
Advanced Methodology
Education cost source id: college_scorecard_2025
Source update dates: BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12