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How to Become a Medical Transcriptionists in California

Medical Transcriptionists in California earn a median salary of $45,050/year, which is 11% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.2%. After taxes and rent, a medical transcriptionists takes home approximately $1,060/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.

$45K
Median salary in California
+11%
vs. national average
2.2%
State income tax
5,860
Employed in California

What a medical transcriptionists can afford in California

Gross annual salary$45,050
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.2% state tax)$3,104/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$2,044/mo
Rent as % of take-home65.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$45,050/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,060/mo

Becoming a medical transcriptionists in California

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 5,860 medical transcriptionists. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.

Medical Transcriptionists salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$58K$28/hr680
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$57K$27.61/hr200
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$53K$25.64/hr50
Chico$50K$24.05/hr120
Modesto$48K$23.31/hr50
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$48K$23.29/hr170
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$48K$23.21/hr70
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$48K$23.2/hr100
Redding$48K$22.86/hr90
Stockton-Lodi$47K$22.74/hr40
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$45K$21.84/hr710
Fresno$43K$20.76/hr200
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$43K$20.67/hr500
Bakersfield-Delano$39K$18.65/hr70
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$39K$18.58/hr2,290

Medical Transcriptionists salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$36K
25th percentile
$39K
Median (50th)
$45K
75th percentile
$53K
90th percentile (senior)
$63K
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Full medical transcriptionists salary breakdown in California
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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 $45,050 per year ($21.66/hr). This is 11% above the national median of $40,410. Salaries range from $35,990 to $62,620.

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 $45,050, a medical transcriptionists in California would take home approximately $3,104/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,044/month, that's 65.9% 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($58,240), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($57,420), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($53,330). 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 2.2%. On a $45,050 salary, this means roughly $994/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.