There is a wide range of health informatics jobs available. Jobs range from entry-level hourly positions to senior-level six-figure public health jobs. Health informatics positions with the same job title and responsibilities can also have large differences between salary numbers depending on a few different factors, such as:
- Your Employer: If you are working for a large institution such as a pharmaceutical company or a hospital, you can expect a higher annual salary than someone working in the health care industry for a private practice.
- Your Location: Health informatics salaries do vary by location. If you are living and working within a major metropolitan area, you can expect a higher salary than if you are living in a rural area.
- Your Experience: If you have graduated from college and entered the workforce in the past five years, you should not expect to make as much as someone with more experience. While a masters in health informatics salary will get you a high starting salary, those with a degree and experience will earn the most money.
- Your Negotiating Skills: All professionals should advocate for themselves by negotiating a high initial health care informatics salary, as well as requesting a raise every year or so, or when they take on new responsibilities in the workplace.
- Your Education: Health informatics jobs that require more education tend to pay better. A master’s in health informatics salary range is likely much higher than a job requiring as associate’s degree. You should receive appropriate pay for your advanced knowledge and skillset.
If you would like to get your foot in the door in the field of health care informatics, the best first step towards earning a job is to enroll in a public health informatics degree program. Health informatics programs are available at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
See Also: Top 10 Best Masters in Biostatistics Online
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
A Health Information Technologist is also known as a Health Information Technician or Medical Records Technician. These are entry-level positions in the field of health informatics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median pay for these roles as $55,560/year. The entry level education required for this role is an associate’s degree. Job responsibilities require knowledge of:
- medical records management
- coding and classification
- data quality and integrity
- health information systems
- privacy and security
- release of information
- compliance and auditing
These health informatics professionals collect and organize patient data in variety of healthcare settings including:
- general medical and surgical hospitals
- companies and enterprises
- outpatient care centers
- physician offices
The jobs outlook for these health informatics careers is excellent. The BLS reports a projected growth of 17% through 2031, much faster than average across all occupations. The states with the highest employment level in this field are:
- Texas
- Florida
- California
- New York
- Missouri
The top paying states for these roles are:
- California- $95,520/year
- Massachusetts- $84,090/year
- Washington, DC- $83,880/year
- Minnesota- $83,320/year
- New York- $77,390/year
- Related: The Top MPH 1 Year Programs
Health Service Manager
Health service managers are responsible for planning and coordinating the business activities of healthcare providers. According to the BLS, the median healthcare informatics salary for this role is $101,340/year. The entry level education for a health service manager is a bachelor’s degree, but education requirements do vary. Individuals with experience tend to have a higher salary. Job responsibilities may require skills in:
- financial management
- human resources management
- policy and compliance
- quality and performance improvement
- IT and data management
Health service managers may be responsible for coordinating logistics strategies for delivering medical services to inpatients as well as outpatients who need service in their home. They may also assist with organizing a patient’s medical and treatment history. They BLS reports the industries with the highest levels of employment for this role are:
- general medical and surgical hospitals
- physician offices
- outpatient care centers
- skilled nursing facilities
- home health care services
The BLS reports an exceptional job outlook for these professionals. Jobs are expected to grow by 28% through 2031, which is much faster than average. States with the highest employment level for health services managers are:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Massachusetts
The BLS reports the states with the highest paying states for managers are:
- New York- $171,620/year
- Washington, DC- $156,870/year
- New Jersey- $153,300/year
- Massachusetts- $152,450/year
- Delaware- $150,840/year
- Related: What Is An MPH Degree ?
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study patterns and causes of diseases and other health-related events. Their job requires a strong understanding of health informatics as they create statistical models that allow analysis and prediction of epidemics and disease spread. The BLS reports the average salary is $85,880/year. The typical entry-level education is a master’s degree. These masters in health informatics jobs may require a skillset that includes:
- data collection and management (including electronic health records)
- data analysis and visualization
- disease surveillance
- research and evidence-based practice
- collaboration and data sharing
The BLS reports states with the highest number of epidemiologists are:
- California
- Washington
- Texas
- Colorado
- Georgia
The top paying states for epidemiologists are:
- Washington DC- $128,860/year
- New York- $125,880/year
- New Jersey- $118,240/year
- Washington- $113,160/year
- Pennsylvania- $108,370/year
Other Related Professions for Health Informatics Professionals
While these are the most common health informatics degree jobs, there are a number of other professions that graduates are eligible for, including:
- clinical informatics manager
- health informatics specialist
- clinical informatics specialist
For a full list of jobs that are available in the field of public health, check out our list of the 50 Top Public Health Jobs. There are also positions available for students with degrees in health informatics that are not in the field of healthcare, as the Information Technology skills that are learned in a health informatics degree program are applicable to a number of different professions. Consider these highly lucrative jobs that are available for professionals with IT credentials:
- Human Resource Manager: Serve healthcare organizations by ensuring that their employees are happy and productive, making an average annual salary of $110,120.
- Information Systems Manager: Health informatics professionals organize the server structure as well as archive and data retrieval systems for companies, making an average annual salary of $139,220.
- Administrative Services Manager: These health information management professionals collect and organize information about providing public services, making an average salary of $94,020.
Up and Coming Health Informatics Roles
Specialized jobs like health informatics consultants and informatics nurses are on the rise. Health informatics consultants work for a health organization to meet short term needs. They may analyze specific areas of the organization like change management or technology implementation. Their work constantly changes so this is a great career choice for a health informatics professional who wants variety. Another newer role in an informatics nurse. These professionals bridge the gap between clinical work and IT. They train staff on new systems and help determine where clinical IT applications could improve outcomes.
If you would like to research quality academic programs that will qualify you for a health informatics job, check out our list of top online public health informatics degree programs, and if any of the programs pique your interest, be sure to follow the links to the school website and request more information.
