Career comparison
Health Information Technologist vs. Medical Transcriptionist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Health information technologists earn more at the median ($68,020 vs. $40,410), while medical transcriptionists usually get to work faster (Under 1 year of training). Health information technologists manage the health data that keeps patient records accurate and useful. Medical transcriptionists turn doctors’ dictation into accurate medical records.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Health Information Technologist | Medical Transcriptionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $68,020 ($32.70/hr) | $40,410 ($19.43/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,830 – $117,420 | $28,250 – $55,950 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +15.9% (much faster than average) | -4.4% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 3,000 | 6,200 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 2 years | Under 1 year |
| Key credential | RHIT (AHIMA) | RHDS (AHDI) |
| Work setting | Technologists work in hospitals, clinics, health systems and some remotely.. | Most work remotely from home; others work in hospitals or documentation companies.. |
What each job does
Health Information Technologist
- Review health records for accuracy
- Manage electronic health record systems
- Analyze health data
- Protect patient privacy
- Release information legally
Medical Transcriptionist
- Listen to dictated reports
- Edit speech-recognition drafts
- Correct grammar and terminology
- Format medical reports
- Flag inconsistencies
How they’re similar
Both careers involve desk work, working with information, remote-friendly work, and steady routines. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose health information technologist if…
- I like healthcare without patient care
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like data and computers
Choose medical transcriptionist if…
- I want remote work
- I type fast and accurately
- I like medical language
Still torn? Take the Health Information Technologist fit quiz and the Medical Transcriptionist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, health information technologist or medical transcriptionist?
Health Information Technologists earn more at the median: $68,020 versus $40,410 for medical transcriptionists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Medical Transcriptionists typically train faster (Under 1 year) than health information technologists (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects health information technologists to grow +15.9% from 2025–35, compared with -4.4% for medical transcriptionists.