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.
An Added Bonus
Another area covered in the 2006 salary study was salary increases and bonus compensation. Eighty-nine percent of survey respondents reported receiving a salary increase in the previous 12 months. The majority of respondents (52 percent) reported an increase in the three to five percent range. Another 34 percent reported their increase to be two percent or less and the remaining 14 percent reported earning six percent or more.
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Various reasons were given for the salary increases earned. Merit increase (54 percent) and salary adjustments (21 percent) were the most often cited reasons. Job changes (nine percent) and promotions (six percent) contributed to the increases of smaller segments of the respondents.
The final two graphs above provide insight into the frequency and amount of bonuses. Only 26 percent overall reported receiving any type of bonus compensation. For those that did, the overall average bonus received was just over four thousand dollars. Those in certain work settings were more likely than others to receive a bonus. Again, the consultant/vendor setting (see “Percent Receiving Bonus by Work Setting” below) led the list with 46 percent of those respondents receiving a bonus. This contrasts sharply with the 14 percent working in an educational institution or long-term care setting who reported bonuses. The non-provider setting category, which includes such settings as government agency, pharmaceutical, insurance, corrections, and others, also was more likely to award bonuses.
Average Amount of Bonuses
The average amount of bonuses awarded also varied greatly by setting. The average bonus reported in the long-term care setting was $2,489, at the low end, and the consultant/vendor average was $7,787 at the other end. The hospital setting again found itself in the middle with an average of $3,091.
The survey results support conclusions from previous research that decisions about education, credentials, job titles, and geographic location can make a difference to HIM salaries. The bottom line: consider all of these things as you plot your professional future. This article will be available online to reference throughout the year here.
Academic Pathways
Salary Study