Medical Records Specialists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Medical Records Specialistss by $46K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Medical Records Specialistss land at $51,140 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: medical records specialist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Medical Records Specialistss is District of Columbia ($72,040); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Medical Records Specialists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Medical Records Specialistss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $51,140 for Medical Records Specialistss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $46K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Medical Records Specialists or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Medical Records Specialists or Registered Nurses?
Medical Records Specialists typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Medical Records Specialistss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Medical Records Specialistss at $72,040/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Medical Records Specialists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Medical Records Specialistss earn $72,040 vs. $102,540 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.