Medical Transcriptionist Salary

The most recent figures for medical transcriptionist salary in the United States show some interesting statistics.

Before we take a look at the average salaries for transcriptionists lets take a look at what a medical transcriptionist actually does and what the job entails.

What does a medical transcriptionist do?

Working in medical transcription will involve
• Transcribing medical records and reports made by medical practitioners and physicians;
• Generally this will be done with some kind of transcribing machine or electronic device involving a computer and head set
• These medical reports can range from chart reviews, diagnostic imaging studies, office visits, emergency room visits;
• The medical transcriptionist then transcribes these documents which may contain many medical terms and abbreviations and return to the medical professional for his/her review and approval. Read medical transcriptionist training also.

Transcription jobs

Transcription jobs are much sought after as they offer many career opportunities including working online, working from home or working in a medical facility such as a hospital or other medical institution.

In 2010 the mean hourly wage for medical transcription work was $16.12 with the annual wage being $33,530. However it is worth noting that the lowest 10% of medical transcriptionists in the wages stakes only earned an average of $10.56 per hour while the highest 10% earned $22.22 per hour giving an annual salary of $46,220.

Clearly the range in salaries will depend on your training, qualifications and experience but a huge determinant of salary will also be where you are located geographically.

Most medical transcriptionists will find work in the following industries:
• Medical hospitals
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories
• Outpatient care centers
• Offices of physicians
• Research and development services companies
• Local government
• Tax preparation, accounting and bookkeeping companies

Where are the jobs in medical transcription?

The states with most employment for medical transcriptionists are California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin. But the states with the highest medical transcriptionist salaries are Alaska, California, District of Columbia, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Some factors concerning medical transcription salaries

Factors which will determine what sort of salary you can pull down in medical transcription are
• Whether you are certified or not
• Your transcription education and training
• Your experience
• The supply of transcription jobs in your area
• Whether you are in an administrative role or not
• The accuracy and speed of your transcription

Medical transcription training can be expensive but the certification is worth it and you can take courses online or at many local community colleges.

If you do decide to do your transcription training online make sure that the college providing the course is accredited by the Distance Education And Training Council (DETC) which is a U.S. government approved body.

Hopefully this information about medical transcriptionist salary in the U.S. will help you decide whether this is the career for you;or perhaps a good work at home opportunity.

The figures above come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States Department of Labor and were accurate at May, 2010 which are the most recent survey figures.

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