How to Become a Medical Transcriptionists in California
Medical Transcriptionists in California earn a median salary of $39,090/year, which is 4% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.9%. After taxes and rent, a medical transcriptionists takes home approximately $1,313/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.
What a medical transcriptionists can afford in California
Becoming a medical transcriptionists in California
Meet education requirements
Medical Transcriptionists positions in California typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many medical transcriptionists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for medical transcriptionistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 5,630 medical transcriptionists. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Medical Transcriptionists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $58K | $27.87/hr | 150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $48K | $23.11/hr | 520 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $46K | $22.25/hr | 70 |
| Modesto | $46K | $22/hr | 50 |
| Chico | $45K | $21.52/hr | 50 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $44K | $21.35/hr | 660 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $44K | $21.12/hr | 100 |
| Redding | $44K | $20.93/hr | 110 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $41K | $19.73/hr | — |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $41K | $19.58/hr | 190 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $40K | $19.04/hr | 40 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $39K | $18.79/hr | — |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $38K | $18.05/hr | 2,450 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $37K | $17.83/hr | 80 |
| Fresno | $37K | $17.64/hr | 180 |
Medical Transcriptionists salary range in California
Medical Transcriptionists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical transcriptionists make in California?▼
The median medical transcriptionists salary in California is $39,090 per year ($18.79/hr). This is 4% above the national median of $37,550. Salaries range from $34,970 to $57,490.
What are the requirements to become a medical transcriptionists in California?▼
Medical Transcriptionists positions in California typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a medical transcriptionists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $39,090, a medical transcriptionists in California would take home approximately $2,725/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 51.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for medical transcriptionists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for medical transcriptionists in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($57,970), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($48,070), Stockton-Lodi ($46,280). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for medical transcriptionists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.9%. On a $39,090 salary, this means roughly $744/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.