Learn how much do medical scribes make in the U.S., with salaries ranging from $25,904 to $43,253 annually depending on location, healthcare setting, and experience. Find out the top-paying states and factors influencing medical scribe salaries in this comprehensive guide.
Key Takeaways
| Factor | Average Salary | Highest Paying State | Lowest Paying State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Medical Scribes | $20,000 – $24,000 | New York | Arkansas |
| Mid-Career Medical Scribes | $28,000 – $32,000 | California | Kentucky |
| Senior Medical Scribes | $36,000 – $38,000 | Vermont | Florida |
| Remote Medical Scribes | $32,000 – $36,000 | Varies | Varies |
| Overtime Rates | 1.5x hourly rate |
- Medical scribe salaries vary significantly by geographic location, experience level, and type of healthcare setting.
- Entry-level roles start around $20,000 annually, while senior scribes can earn up to $38,000.
- Factors like shift hours, overtime pay, and additional benefits can influence total compensation.
Executive Summary
Medical scribes play a vital role in healthcare by assisting with electronic health records (EHRs) and documentation tasks. Their salaries vary based on location, experience, and the healthcare setting. For example, entry-level scribes earn less than experienced scribes, with salaries ranging from $20,000 to $38,000 annually depending on their role.
Highlights:
- New York and California are among the highest-paying states, while Arkansas and Kentucky offer lower average salaries.
- Overtime work and shifts can significantly boost earnings.
- Remote work options are becoming more prevalent, with comparable pay structures.
In this guide, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of medical scribe salaries, factors affecting pay, and how these roles vary across settings.
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What Is a Medical Scribe?
Medical scribes are trained professionals responsible for real-time documentation in electronic health records (EHRs) during patient encounters. Their duties include:
- Recording patient history, symptoms, and medical procedures.
- Assisting physicians with administrative tasks.
- Navigating and updating EHR systems efficiently.
They work under the direct supervision of healthcare providers and play a key role in improving documentation accuracy and patient care efficiency.
Salary Overview: How Much Do Medical Scribes Make?
National Averages
According to recent data:
- Average salary (all levels): $34,000 annually.
- Hourly wage range: $12.50 – $19.00.
- Top-paying states: New York ($39,000) and California ($38,500).
Geographic Variations
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
| New York | $39,000 | $18.75 |
| California | $38,500 | $18.50 |
| Arkansas | $25,900 | $12.45 |
| Kentucky | $26,300 | $12.66 |
Factors such as the cost of living and demand for medical scribes significantly impact salaries in different regions.
As of December 2024, the average annual salary for a medical scribe in the United States is approximately $39,214.
Salaries vary significantly across different states due to factors such as cost of living, demand for medical scribes, and regional economic conditions.
Here are the top 10 highest-paying states for medical scribes:
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $43,253 | $3,604 | $831 | $20.78 |
| Massachusetts | $43,253 | $3,604 | $831 | $20.78 |
| New York | $39,039 | $3,253 | $750 | $18.77 |
| Washington | $39,039 | $3,253 | $750 | $18.77 |
| Oregon | $38,520 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
| Nevada | $38,520 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
| New Jersey | $38,520 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
| Connecticut | $38,520 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
| Hawaii | $38,520 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
| Alaska | $38,520 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
Conversely, the 10 lowest-paying states for medical scribes are:
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $25,904 | $2,158 | $498 | $12.45 |
| North Carolina | $26,157 | $2,179 | $503 | $12.58 |
| Kentucky | $26,333 | $2,194 | $506 | $12.66 |
| Nebraska | $27,447 | $2,287 | $527 | $13.20 |
| Louisiana | $27,616 | $2,301 | $531 | $13.28 |
| Florida | $27,815 | $2,317 | $534 | $13.37 |
| Alabama | $27,844 | $2,320 | $535 | $13.39 |
| West Virginia | $28,139 | $2,344 | $541 | $13.53 |
| Missouri | $28,227 | $2,352 | $542 | $13.57 |
| Texas | $28,255 | $2,354 | $543 | $13.58 |
These figures highlight the substantial regional disparities in medical scribe salaries across the United States. For instance, medical scribes in California and Massachusetts earn significantly more than their counterparts in states like Arkansas and Texas. These differences can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for medical scribes, and regional economic conditions.
Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and specific employer.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary | Description |
| Entry-Level | $20,000 – $24,000 | Newly trained scribes with minimal experience. |
| Early Career | $24,000 – $28,000 | 1-3 years of experience; developing expertise. |
| Mid-Career | $28,000 – $32,000 | 3-5 years of experience with additional responsibilities. |
| Senior Level | $36,000 – $38,000 | Over 5 years; often supervises other scribes. |
Salary by Healthcare Setting
| Setting | Average Annual Salary | Key Responsibilities |
| Hospitals | $30,000 – $34,000 | Emergency room support, diverse patient cases. |
| Private Clinics | $28,000 – $32,000 | Routine documentation for outpatient care. |
| Telemedicine | $32,000 – $36,000 | Remote work, flexibility in hours. |
| Long-Term Care | $26,000 – $30,000 | Managing chronic patient documentation. |
Factors Influencing Medical Scribe Salaries
Geographic Location
- High-paying states like New York and California offer salaries of $38,000+.
- Lower-paying states such as Arkansas average around $25,900 annually.
Experience and Training
- Certification from organizations like ACMSS can increase earning potential.
- On-the-job training boosts mid-career opportunities.
Shifts and Overtime
- Evening, night, and weekend shifts often pay higher hourly rates.
- Overtime work is compensated at 1.5x the base hourly rate in most cases.
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Benefits of Being a Medical Scribe
- Hands-on learning: Medical scribes gain practical exposure in dynamic healthcare environments, working closely with doctors and patients.
- Comprehensive understanding of clinical workflows: Observing patient care processes provides insights into how medical teams collaborate, enhancing professional growth.
- Opportunities for career progression: Experience as a medical scribe serves as a strong foundation for roles such as physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider positions.
- Skill enhancement: Develops critical skills like medical terminology proficiency, effective communication, and multitasking in high-pressure settings.
- Networking potential: Builds connections with healthcare professionals that may support future career moves.
Challenges in the Field
- High workload during peak times: Medical scribes often face significant pressure during emergency situations or patient surges, requiring exceptional multitasking skills and stress management.
- Adapting to advancements in AI tools: With the rise of AI technologies like automated transcription and natural language processing, scribes must continually update their technical skills to remain competitive in a shifting job landscape.
- Compliance with strict documentation standards: Medical scribes must adhere to precise legal and procedural guidelines, including HIPAA compliance and specific EHR protocols, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
Future Trends: Remote Work and AI Integration
- Remote medical scribing is becoming increasingly popular.
- AI tools like natural language processing are transforming documentation tasks.
- Scribes may need additional training to work alongside AI systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Medical Scribe Salaries
1. How much do medical scribes make annually?
Medical scribes typically earn between $25,904 to $43,253 per year, depending on factors like geographic location, experience, and the healthcare setting in which they work. On average, the national salary for a medical scribe in the U.S. is around $34,222 per year.
2. What factors influence a medical scribe’s salary?
A medical scribe’s salary is influenced by several factors, including:
- Geographic location: States like California and New York tend to offer higher salaries due to the higher cost of living.
- Healthcare setting: Medical scribes working in hospitals or specialized clinics may earn more than those working in smaller offices.
- Experience and education: More experienced scribes or those with advanced certifications can command higher wages.
- Demand and supply: Areas with a high demand for medical scribes may offer competitive salaries to attract talent.
3. What is the average hourly wage for medical scribes?
On average, medical scribes earn between $12.45 and $20.78 per hour, depending on their location and experience. For example, medical scribes in high-paying states like California may earn $20.78 per hour, while those in lower-paying states may earn closer to $12.45 per hour.
4. Which states pay medical scribes the most?
As of 2024, the highest-paying states for medical scribes include:
- California: $43,253 annually
- Massachusetts: $43,253 annually
- New York: $39,039 annually
- Washington: $39,039 annually
- Oregon: $38,520 annually
These states offer competitive salaries due to their high demand for medical scribes and the higher cost of living in these regions.
5. Which states offer the lowest salaries for medical scribes?
Medical scribes in the following states earn lower salaries compared to the national average:
- Arkansas: $25,904 annually
- North Carolina: $26,157 annually
- Kentucky: $26,333 annually
- Nebraska: $27,447 annually
- Florida: $27,815 annually
Salaries in these states are typically lower due to the lower cost of living and lower demand for scribes in certain areas.
6. What settings do medical scribes work in?
Medical scribes can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals: Often offer higher salaries due to the demand for medical scribes in fast-paced environments.
- Private clinics and doctor’s offices: May offer a more stable work environment but lower pay compared to hospitals.
- Urgent care centers: Can provide competitive wages, especially in larger cities.
- Specialized medical facilities: Such as cardiology or dermatology practices, where scribes may earn more due to specialized work.
7. How can I become a medical scribe?
To become a medical scribe, you typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED (some employers may require a college degree).
- Training in medical terminology and basic healthcare practices (many employers offer on-the-job training or you can complete a medical scribe certification program).
- Good communication and typing skills, as you will be responsible for documenting patient encounters efficiently.
8. Do medical scribes need a certification?
While certification is not always required, obtaining a medical scribe certification can enhance your job prospects and potential salary. The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) and other organizations offer certifications that can help you stand out in the job market.
9. What is the career outlook for medical scribes?
The demand for medical scribes is expected to grow as healthcare facilities increasingly adopt electronic health records (EHRs). This trend is expected to drive the need for medical scribes to assist with documentation, allowing healthcare providers to focus on patient care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for medical scribes will grow at a steady pace over the next decade.
10. Can medical scribes work remotely?
Yes, many medical scribes can work remotely, especially if they work for telemedicine companies or support physicians who offer virtual consultations. However, remote positions may have specific requirements, such as high-speed internet, quiet workspaces, and access to EHR systems.
11. What is the job description of a medical scribe?
A medical scribe assists healthcare providers by documenting patient interactions, updating patient records, and ensuring that medical notes are accurate and up to date. They work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all required documentation is completed efficiently.
12. Can a medical scribe transition to another healthcare career?
Yes, many medical scribes use their experience to transition into other healthcare careers, such as:
- Medical assistant
- Physician assistant
- Nurse
- Medical coder
The knowledge gained from working closely with healthcare professionals and understanding medical terminology and processes can serve as a solid foundation for pursuing further education and certification in these fields.
