Medical Records Specialists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nurses out-earn Medical Records Specialists by $46K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Medical Records Specialists land at $51,140 and Registered Nurses 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 Specialists is District of Columbia ($72,040); for Registered Nurses 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 Specialists or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $51,140 for Medical Records Specialists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $46K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Medical Records Specialists or Registered Nurses?
Medical Records Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 7.1% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Specialists get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Medical Records Specialists 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 Specialists earn $72,040 vs. $102,540 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.