Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Postsecondary nondegree award
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Medical transcriptionists work in a niche health-related occupation with a defined national footprint and clear training expectations. With national employment of 44,000 and about 7,000 annual openings, this career combines an established workforce with a consistent flow of opportunities. The national median annual salary of $37,550 places it in a moderate earning range, with the potential for higher pay in certain states and metro areas. Typical entry into the field is through a postsecondary nondegree award, which can appeal to people seeking a focused credential rather than a multi-year degree. Success in this occupation draws on a blend of computers and information technology skills, strong writing and reading abilities, attention to detail, and solid speaking and listening skills. Interpersonal strengths, customer service orientation, and fine motor abilities are also important, alongside science knowledge and project management capabilities. For individuals interested in detail-oriented, documentation-focused work connected to healthcare, this path can be a structured and skills-based option.
Medical transcriptionists earn a national median annual salary of $37,550, but pay varies meaningfully by location. Among the top states, California stands out with a median salary of $45,050, followed by New York at $43,260 and Colorado at $43,080. Washington and Massachusetts offer median salaries of $38,690 and $36,910, respectively. Metro-level data show even higher earning potential in certain areas. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro reports a median salary of $58,240, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is close behind at $57,420. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro has a median of $44,010, while Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metros offer $39,010 and $38,540. Overall, earnings can be notably higher in specific metros and states, suggesting that careful geographic choice can make a substantial difference in income.
Medical transcriptionists have national employment of 44,000 with about 7,000 annual openings, indicating an ongoing need for workers despite a projected employment growth rate of -4.9%. This negative growth rate shows that total employment in the occupation is expected to decline over time. However, the number of annual openings suggests turnover and replacement needs will continue to generate job opportunities. The -4.9% projected growth applies consistently across the top states and metro areas listed, highlighting that the outlook pattern is similar in multiple regions. For career planners, this combination means that while the overall size of the field may shrink, individuals may still find entry and transition opportunities, especially if they bring strong skills in computers and information technology, writing and reading, attention to detail, and effective communication. Candidates should consider both the projected decline and the steady flow of openings when evaluating long-term career plans.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity and earnings for medical transcriptionists. Among states, California has the highest CareerGPS opportunity score at 67.38, with a median salary of $45,050 and employment of 5,860. Massachusetts and New York also show strong opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, though Massachusetts has a lower median salary of $36,910 and smaller employment (400) compared to New York’s $43,260 salary and 2,710 employed. Colorado and Washington offer opportunity scores of 56.97 and 56.29, with similar median salaries around $43,000 and employment near 600. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ lead with opportunity scores above 77, combining higher salaries and measurable employment bases. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA also stands out with a high salary and opportunity score of 68.75. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV provide additional metro options with mid-range salaries and solid opportunity scores.
The typical education requirement for medical transcriptionists is a postsecondary nondegree award. This means most people enter the field through a focused program rather than a full associate or bachelor’s degree. Education for this path aligns with the occupation’s skill profile, which emphasizes computers and information technology along with strong writing and reading skills. Being detail oriented is central, as is having reliable fine motor ability. Speaking and listening skills, interpersonal strengths, and a customer service mindset support the communication aspects of the role. Science skills contribute relevant foundational knowledge, while project management abilities help individuals organize tasks and timelines effectively. For students and career changers, the combination of a targeted credential and a clear set of core skills offers a structured way to prepare. Those considering this career can use the identified top skills as a checklist for both training and self-assessment when evaluating fit and readiness.
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