Medical Records Specialists Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $49,790 -0.9% vs national
Median hourly $23.94
10th percentile $38,680
90th percentile $79,190
Employed locally 3,220
National median $50,250

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Medical Records Specialists
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    In Chicago and its surrounding areas in Illinois and Indiana, Medical Records Specialists earn a median annual salary of $49,790, with an average hourly wage of approximately $23.94. This median income is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $50,250. When compared to local household incomes, which have a median value of $88,850, it's evident that Medical Records Specialists earn less than the typical Chicago-area household. Given the local unemployment rate of 5.10%, those employed in this field are part of a relatively stable job market, though they may still face challenges in reaching earnings comparable to other occupations within the region.

    For entry-level workers in the field of medical records management in the Chicago area, salaries typically begin around $38,680 annually, which is at the 10th percentile. As professionals gain experience and move up through the ranks, their earning potential increases significantly. For example, those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,080 per year, while experienced specialists who are in the 75th percentile can expect to make around $63,070 annually. Those at the top of their field, representing the 90th percentile, may see salaries as high as $79,190. The variance in earnings is driven by factors such as experience level, specialization within medical records management, and the size or type of healthcare facility where they are employed. These differences underscore the importance of career development and continuous education for those looking to maximize their earning potential in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,680
    25th
    $44,080
    50th (median)
    $49,790
    75th
    $63,070
    90th
    $79,190

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Medical Records Specialists salary vs area income 56% Median Medical Records Specialists salary is 44% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Medical Records Specialists make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Medical Records Specialists in Chicago, IL-IN is $23.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.72 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Medical Records Specialists salaries?

    The median Medical Records Specialists salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 0.9% below the national median of $50,250. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Medical Records Specialists in Chicago?

    Entry-level Medical Records Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $38,680 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,080.