The Results Are In: 2006 Salary Study
Updated Data as of October 2006
For many HIM professionals, salary levels are driven by their job titles, their education levels, and where they live. Each year AHIMA shares data trends related to these factors nationally. In 2006, we have more information than ever before on this topic, as a result of the first in-depth AHIMA salary study conducted this summer.
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Salary Study Provides More Detailed Data
In past years, our salary information came from the data provided by members via AHIMA’s online profile tool. This year’s salary study presents similar data, but the results are more specific because respondents were asked to provide actual salary figures instead of indicating a range. More than 13,300 individuals responded to the survey.
The survey results reveal a wealth of information with multiple layers to explore. For instance, this data allows us to estimate that the average annual full-time HIM salary across all work settings is $55,676. But this number doesn’t tell the whole story. It doesn’t reflect the great diversity of those working in HIM (based on work setting, job title, education level, certification, and more). In this article, we’ll look more closely at these results.
Examining the Role of Education
Education level can also make a difference when it comes to salary. “Education Level” (below) illustrates the various levels of education represented by the respondents. For example, the percentage of respondents who have a baccalaureate degree is almost the same as those who have an associate degree; each represents about 34 percent of the sample. Those with an advanced degree make up 11 percent.
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Average Salaries
“Average Director Salaries by Education” (below) clearly shows the impact that education has on salary. The data shows some distinct stepping stones. While the average director salary earned by those with an associate degree is $60,613, that number grows to $75,126 for those with a baccalaureate degree, and to $86,728 for those with a master’s degree.
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Earning an industry credential is another way to distinguish skill level and attract a higher salary. ”Average Coder Salaries by Credential” (below) shows average salaries for coding professionals holding various coding-related credentials. Those with AHIMA’s mastery-level credentials CCS-P and CCS are garnering higher average salaries than those who have the entry-level AHIMA credential CCA and the CPC credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Academic Pathways
Salary Study