FAQ
Health Information Technologist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a health information technologist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a health information technologist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about health information technologists
Do HIM techs work with patients?
Rarely; they manage records and data.
Can they work remotely?
Many roles are remote or hybrid.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
How much does a health information technologist make?
The median annual wage for health information technologists was $68,020 ($32.70 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,830 and the highest 10% earned more than $117,420.
How long does it take to become a health information technologist?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in health information technology is typical, plus the RHIT credential.
Do you need a degree to be a health information technologist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Is health information technologist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +15.9% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 3,000 openings each year. Upsides include much faster-than-average growth; a common challenge is that detail-heavy work.
What skills does a health information technologist need?
Key technical skills include health information management, ehr systems, hipaa and privacy, and medical terminology. Employers also value attention to detail, integrity, and organization.
What certifications are available for health information technologists?
Common credentials include RHIT (AHIMA), CTR (NCRA), RHIA (AHIMA), and CCS (AHIMA). Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Health Information Technologist fit quiz, compare with Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, or explore Health Information Technologist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-9021 (Health information technologists and medical registrars).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Health information technologists and medical registrars (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.