Medical scribes are becoming an essential part of the healthcare system today. They help healthcare providers by documenting patient encounters, managing electronic health records, and freeing up the provider’s time to focus on diagnosing and treating patients. If you are considering a career as a medical scribe or just want to know more about it, one of the important factors to consider is the medical scribe salary. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about virtual medical scribe, including how much they earn, factors that affect their salary, and some tips to increase their earning potential.
Medical scribes’ salary can vary based on several factors such as their experience, geographic location, and the employer’s size or type. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for medical transcriptionists, the closest occupational group that includes scribes, is $16.17. However, medical scribes earn more than medical transcriptionists because of their expanded roles. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for medical scribes in the US is $34,927, ranging from $24,000 to $61,000.
The experience level of a medical scribe can also affect their salary. Entry-level scribes with little to no experience might earn a lower salary than those with more experience. According to Payscale, entry-level medical scribes earn an average of $13.51 per hour, while those with more than five years of experience earn an average of $15.81 per hour. Many healthcare organizations also offer medical scribe training programs, where entry-level scribes can gain experience and enhance their earning potential.
Geographic location is also a significant factor in determining medical scribes’ salary. For instance, medical scribes working in metropolitan areas might earn more than those working in rural areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the highest-paying state for medical transcriptionists, with an hourly mean wage of $25.33, whereas Arkansas is the lowest-paying state, with an hourly mean wage of $12.46.
Scribes who work for larger employers, such as a hospital or healthcare system, may earn more than those who work for a private practice. According to Payscale, scribes working for a hospital earn an average hourly wage of $14.68, while those working for private practices earn an average of $13.96 per hour.
To increase their earning potential, medical scribes can consider several factors. One of the ways is to gain additional skills and certifications such as CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) or CMT (Certified Medical Transcriptionist). These certifications not only improve their salary but also provide opportunities for career advancement. Another way is to work in high-demand specialties, such as emergency medicine or oncology, where the demand for medical scribes is high, and the salaries are relatively higher.
Medical scribing can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. As mentioned, the medical scribe salary can vary widely and is based on several factors such as experience, geographical location, and the type of employer. With the right experience, skills, and certifications, medical scribes can enhance their earning potential. Hopefully, this blog post has provided you with valuable insights into medical scribe salary and helped you make informed decisions about your career.
