My friend Jessica was a medical coder stuck in a windowless office basement for three years, barely making $45,000. Last year, she made a strategic career move into health information technology. Now? She’s working remotely as a health informatics analyst, earning $85,000, and actually enjoys what she does.
The difference? She found the sweet spot where healthcare meets technology, one of the fastest growing, most resilient career fields in America right now.
Health information technology (Health IT) isn’t just another tech job. It’s where two massive, stable industries, healthcare and information technology, intersect to create something genuinely essential. And in 2025, with healthcare going increasingly digital and remote work becoming standard, health IT jobs offer something rare: strong salaries, job security, and genuine career flexibility.
If you’re looking for a career change, exploring tech options, or trying to figure out if health IT is worth pursuing, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down everything you need to know about health information technology jobs, the salaries, the career paths, the remote opportunities, and how to actually break into this field.
What Health Information Technology Actually Is
Before we dive into the jobs and salaries, let’s clear up what health IT actually means.
Health information technology (Health IT) involves the processing, storage, and exchange of health information in an electronic environment. Basically, it’s everything tech, related that helps healthcare facilities manage patient data, electronic health records, billing systems, and medical information.
Health information technology careers combine information technology (IT) and health care, two fast, growing fields with a range of career paths. You’re not treating patients (usually), but you’re absolutely critical to ensuring they receive quality care.
Think about it: every time a doctor accesses a patient’s medical history, prescribes medication electronically, or orders lab work digitally, there’s health IT infrastructure making that happen. Someone designed those systems, someone maintains them, someone ensures the data is secure and compliant with regulations.
That someone could be you.
Why Health IT Jobs Are Booming Right Now
Let’s talk about the numbers because they tell a compelling story.
The job outlook in both information technology and health care remains positive, suggesting promising opportunities for health information technology careers. More specifically:
Healthcare + Tech = Job Security Squared: Both healthcare and IT are among the fastest, growing sectors. Combine them? You get exponential opportunity.
Post, Pandemic Digital Transformation: COVID-19 forced healthcare to go digital overnight, telehealth, electronic records, remote monitoring. That infrastructure isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s expanding.
Aging Population + Technology: As Baby Boomers age, healthcare demand is skyrocketing. Managing all that patient data requires massive IT infrastructure and skilled professionals.
Regulatory Requirements: Laws like HIPAA require sophisticated systems to protect patient privacy. Health IT professionals ensure compliance, making them invaluable and hard to replace.
Remote Work Opportunities: Unlike many healthcare jobs, health IT roles can often be done remotely. Over 19,000 health information technology remote positions were posted on Indeed alone.
What Health IT Jobs Actually Pay (The Real Numbers)
Okay, let’s talk money. Because that’s probably why you’re reading this.
Salaries for health information technology careers range from $54,000 to $173,000, with several factors influencing earning potential, including job titles and educational levels.
That’s a massive range, so let’s break it down by role:
Entry Level Positions ($40K-$65K)
Health Information Technician: $51,104 average (Glassdoor)
- Entry point into the field
- Manages electronic health records
- Ensures data accuracy and compliance
- Often requires associate’s degree or certification
Medical Coder/Biller (Remote): $19.67/hour average ($40,914 annually)
- Can often be done fully remote
- Assigns diagnostic and procedure codes
- Handles insurance billing
- Certificate programs available
EHR Support Specialist: $45,000-$60,000
- Helps healthcare staff use electronic health record systems
- Troubleshoots technical issues
- Provides training to clinical staff
Mid Career Positions ($65K-$100K)
Health Informatics Specialist: $91,323 average
- Analyzes healthcare data to improve patient outcomes
- Designs clinical workflows
- Implements new health IT solutions
Clinical Analyst: $80,252 average
- Bridges gap between clinical staff and IT
- Configures EHR systems to meet clinical needs
- Trains healthcare providers on new technology
Health IT Project Manager: $75,000-$95,000
- Oversees implementation of health IT systems
- Manages budgets and timelines
- Coordinates between vendors, IT staff, and clinicians
Health Data Analyst: $70,000-$85,000
- Mines healthcare data for insights
- Creates reports for administration
- Supports quality improvement initiatives
Senior/Specialized Positions ($100K-$173K+)
Health Informatics Manager: $110,000-$140,000
- Leads health IT teams
- Develops organizational data strategy
- Ensures regulatory compliance
Healthcare IT Security Specialist: $95,000-$130,000
- Protects sensitive patient data
- Ensures HIPAA compliance
- Manages cybersecurity protocols
Clinical Informatics Director: $120,000-$160,000
- Strategic leadership role
- Oversees all clinical information systems
- Drives digital transformation initiatives
Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CIO): $150,000-$250,000+
- Executive leadership position
- Sets technology vision for entire organization
- Requires extensive experience
Location Matters (A Lot)
The average salary for Health IT is $81,603 in the United States, but that varies significantly by location.
Top paying states:
- District of Columbia: 10.7% above national average
- California: Especially San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Washington
But here’s the kicker, with remote work, you might be able to earn California rates while living somewhere with much lower cost of living. That’s the dream scenario.
The Most In Demand Health IT Roles Right Now
Not all health IT jobs are created equal. Here’s what’s hottest in 2025:
1. Epic Analysts (Various Modules)
Epic dominates the EHR market, and certified Epic analysts are goldmines. epic certification in modules like Resolute (billing), Willow (pharmacy), or OpTime (surgical) can command premium salaries.
These roles typically require Epic certification, 2+ years of experience, and pay $75,000-$120,000+ depending on specialization.
2. Health Data Scientists
With healthcare generating massive amounts of data, professionals who can analyze it and extract actionable insights are in huge demand. Background in statistics, SQL, Python, and healthcare knowledge needed. Salaries range $90,000-$140,000.
3. Telehealth Technology Specialists
Telehealth exploded during COVID and isn’t slowing down. Specialists who implement and support virtual care platforms are essential. Many of these roles are fully remote. Salaries typically $65,000-$95,000.
4. Healthcare Cybersecurity Professionals
Healthcare is a prime target for cyberattacks because patient data is valuable. Security specialists who understand both IT security and healthcare compliance earn $95,000-$150,000.
5. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Specialists
These professionals ensure clinical documentation accurately reflects patient care for coding, billing, and quality reporting. Often requires clinical background (nursing, coding). Salaries $70,000-$95,000.
6. Revenue Cycle Analysts
They optimize billing processes, reduce claim denials, and improve revenue collection. Understanding of billing, insurance, and healthcare finance required. Salaries $65,000-$90,000.
Remote Health IT Jobs: The Work From Home Reality
Here’s where health IT gets really attractive, remote opportunities.
Over 19,134 remote health information technology jobs are currently posted, with positions ranging from medical coding to clinical informatics to revenue cycle management.
Fully remote roles that are common:
- Medical Coding/Billing
- EHR Support Specialists
- Health Data Analysts
- Clinical Documentation Specialists
- Telehealth Coordinators
- Revenue Cycle Analysts
Hybrid roles (some on site required):
- Epic Analysts (often monthly on site meetings)
- Implementation Specialists
- IT Project Managers
- Clinical Informatics roles
Typically on site:
- Hardware support roles
- Some IT security positions
- Roles requiring direct clinical interaction
Companies hiring remote health IT professionals include major healthcare systems, insurance companies, health tech startups, consulting firms, and Epic certified organizations.
The beauty of remote health IT work? You can live in Montana and work for a hospital system in Boston, earning Boston area wages with Montana cost of living.
How to Actually Break Into Health IT (Step by Step)
Okay, you’re sold on health IT. Now what? Here’s your realistic roadmap:
Path 1: The Clinical Background Route
If you have healthcare experience (nursing, medical assistant, pharmacy tech):
This is actually your advantage. Healthcare organizations love hiring IT people who understand clinical workflows.
Steps:
- Get certified in health IT basics (CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician, AHIMA certification)
- Learn your organization’s EHR system deeply
- Volunteer for IT projects or implementations
- Apply for internal health IT positions
- Consider online courses in health informatics
Timeline: 6-12 months Investment: $1,000-$3,000 for certifications/courses
Path 2: The IT Background Route
If you have IT experience but no healthcare knowledge:
You need to learn healthcare workflows, regulations, and terminology.
Steps:
- Get HIPAA and healthcare compliance training
- Learn medical terminology (free courses available)
- Get certified in an EHR system (Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
- Target entry level health IT support roles
- Build healthcare specific IT skills
Timeline: 6-12 months Investment: $2,000-$5,000 for EHR certifications
Path 3: The Complete Career Change Route
If you have neither healthcare nor IT background:
This is the longer path but absolutely doable.
Steps:
- Get an associate’s degree or certificate in Health Information Technology
- Consider bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics (if aiming for higher roles)
- Gain certifications (RHIT, RHIA from AHIMA)
- Get internship or entry level position
- Build experience and specialize
Timeline: 2-4 years for degree programs Investment: $10,000-$40,000 depending on program
The Fast Track: Medical Coding
This is the quickest entry point into health IT with decent pay.
Steps:
- Complete medical coding certificate program (4-12 months)
- Pass certification exam (CPC, CCS, or similar)
- Start working remotely as medical coder ($40-50K)
- Gain experience and move into higher level health IT roles
Timeline: 6-12 months Investment: $1,500-$4,000
Essential Skills & Certifications
To thrive in health IT, you need a mix of technical and healthcare knowledge:
Technical Skills:
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
- Healthcare databases and SQL
- Data analysis and reporting
- Basic networking and systems administration
- Healthcare IT security
Healthcare Knowledge:
- Medical terminology
- HIPAA and healthcare regulations
- Clinical workflows
- Insurance and billing processes
- Healthcare quality metrics
Valuable Certifications:
For Health Information Technicians:
- RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
- CCA (Certified Coding Associate)
For Health Informatics:
- CAHIMS (Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems)
- CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems)
And for Medical Coding:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- COC (Certified Outpatient Coder)
For Specific EHR Systems:
- Epic Certification (various modules)
- Cerner Certification
- Meditech Certification
The Challenges Nobody Talks About
Real talk, health IT isn’t perfect. Here are the challenges:
Regulatory Complexity
Healthcare regulations are constantly changing. HIPAA, HITECH, 21st Century Cures Act, staying compliant requires continuous learning.
High Stakes Environment
Mistakes in healthcare IT can impact patient care. The pressure is real, and burnout happens.
On Call Expectations
Healthcare operates 24/7. Many health IT roles include on call duties for system emergencies.
Resistance to Change
Not all healthcare providers love technology. You’ll spend time convincing people to adopt new systems they’d rather avoid.
Vendor Lock In
Much of health IT is dominated by a few major vendors (Epic, Cerner, Oracle). Your skills can become vendor specific, which limits flexibility.
The Future of Health IT Jobs
Where is this field heading? Based on current trends:
AI and Machine Learning Integration: Health IT professionals who understand AI implementation will be invaluable. Expect roles focused on AI powered diagnostics, predictive analytics, and automated coding.
Interoperability Focus: Different healthcare systems need to talk to each other seamlessly. Professionals skilled in FHIR and health information exchange will be in demand.
Telehealth Expansion: Remote patient monitoring and virtual care platforms will continue growing, creating specialized health IT roles.
Cybersecurity Priority: As cyberattacks on healthcare increase, security focused health IT roles will command premium salaries.
Population Health Management: Using data to manage health of entire patient populations will create analyst and data scientist roles.
Is Health IT Right For You?
Here’s the honest assessment:
Health IT might be perfect if you:
- Like problem solving that directly impacts people’s lives
- Enjoy learning (continuous education is essential)
- Want job security in a recession resistant field
- Value remote work flexibility
- Are comfortable with both technology and people interaction
- Can handle high pressure situations calmly
Health IT might not be for you if:
- You hate regulatory compliance and paperwork
- You can’t stand working with technology that sometimes fails at critical moments
- You prefer working with your hands over computers
- You need complete creative freedom (healthcare IT has many constraints)
- You can’t handle on call responsibilities
The Bottom Line
Health information technology jobs offer something increasingly rare in today’s economy: strong salaries, genuine job security, remote work options, and the satisfaction of contributing to better healthcare outcomes.
Jessica, my friend who made the switch? She told me recently: “I never thought I’d find a career where I could work from home, make good money, and actually feel like I’m helping people. Health IT checked all three boxes.”
The field isn’t without challenges. The regulations are complex, the pressure is real, and staying current requires continuous learning. But for people who want stability, growth potential, and flexibility, health IT might be one of the best career moves you can make in 2025.
The opportunities are there. The demand is real. The salaries are competitive. The question is: are you ready to take the leap?
Because healthcare isn’t slowing down. It’s getting more digital, more data driven, and more dependent on skilled IT professionals every single day. Whether you’re fresh out of school, looking for a career change, or a healthcare professional wanting to pivot into tech, there’s a path into health IT that can work for you.
The industry needs you. The jobs are waiting. And your work from home, well paying, meaningful career in health IT? It’s closer than you think.
