Job security is at the top of everyone’s priority list, because it comes with a sense of financial confidence and stability. If you’re considering a career in health information management (HIM), you are well on your way to gaining that security.
Yes, experienced HIM professionals are in-demand and have high salaries.
But which job should you aim for?
Many HIM professionals follow pathways to executive-level positions within a healthcare organization. According to the most recent HIM salary survey from AHIMA, HIM professionals working at the executive level earned an average salary ranging from $97,140 to $125,450.
Here’s an overview of the six highest health information management job salaries. Keep in mind that the positions in this list are not typical of a new HIM bachelor’s degree graduate. Each of the roles often requires a foundational knowledge of HIM and additional experience or credentials.
1. Chief Technology Officer: $89,000 – $247,000
What they do
As part of the executive team, the chief technology officer (CTO) oversees strategic decisions related to all information systems technology within an organization. This includes selecting, purchasing, developing, installing, and maintaining all related software and hardware. The CTO works directly with internal staff members as well as external vendor partners to accomplish these tasks.
Salary details
Glassdoor.com reports a national average salary of $172,860. Payscale.com reports a median salary of $163,440. According to Indeed.com, CTOs make an average of $127,871.
2. Chief Clinical Information Officer: $98,000 – $255,000
What they do
As part of the executive team, the chief clinical information officer (CCIO) advocates for the use of information technology in the clinical setting and oversees the integration of technology with medical and clinical practice. The CCIO educates others about how to use electronic health records (EHRs) for patient care, quality management, utilization management, clinical resource management, and performance improvement initiatives.
Salary details
Glassdoor.com doesn’t provide specific data for CCIOs; however, it does report a national average salary for a chief information officer (CIO) of $141,326. Payscale.com also doesn’t provide specific salary data for CCIOs. It reports a median salary for CIOs of $168,236. Indeed.com reports an average salary for CIOs of $110,119.
3. Vice President of Information Technology: $104,000 – $205,000
What they do
The vice president of information technology (VPIT) works closely with the CTO and CCIO to define the organization’s overall IT strategy, including its adoption of EHRs and other technologies to support daily operations. The VPIT typically reports directly to the president or chief executive officer of the organization.
Salary details
Glassdoor.com reports a national average salary of $173,734. Payscale.com reports a median salary of $152,506. According to Indeed.com, VPITs earn an average salary of $160,477.
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4. Director of Risk Management: $77,000 – $180,000
What they do
Constantly striving to reduce risk and improve quality, the director of risk management oversees all utilization management programs and coordinates clinical performance improvement efforts. The director also develops clinical practice guidelines, care maps, clinical protocols, and procedures for concurrent and retrospective case reviews.
Salary details
Glassdoor.com reports a national average salary of $136,919. Payscale.com reports a median salary of $121,721. According to Indeed.com, directors of risk management earn an average of $102,000.
5. Chief Compliance Officer: $68,000 – $205,000
What they do
The chief compliance officer (CCO) is responsible for ensuring organization-wide compliance with a focus on compliant coding and billing. In addition to serving as the point of contact for all government investigations and queries, the CCO frequently coordinates internal reviews of documentation, coding, and billing to ensure compliance. The CCO also develops Standards of Conduct as well as compliance policies and procedures.
Salary details
Glassdoor.com reports a national average salary of $121,196. Payscale.com reports a median salary of $122,229. According to Indeed.com, chief compliance officers earn an average of $121,878.
6. Director of Clinical Informatics: $65,000 – $130,000
What they do
The director of clinical informatics works closely with the CCIO, project managers, and hospital leaders to ensure a smooth transition to the EHR. Serving as an operational leader, the director of clinical informatics validates EHR functionality to support site-specific patient care, provides staff education and training, creates EHR policies and procedures, analyzes end-user business needs, and coordinates a variety of EHR-related projects.
Salary details
Glassdoor.com reports a national average salary of $108,799. Payscale.com reports a median salary of $96,496. According to Indeed.com, directors of clinical informatics earn an average of $102,000.
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WHAT’S NEXT?
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Interested in starting or advancing your HIM career? Universities of Wisconsin offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology. Start your journey here.
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Questions about the Universities of Wisconsin degree program or HIMT field? Contact an enrollment adviser at 608-262-2011 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu. Enrollment advisers are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST, or by appointment.