Medical records specialists
SOC Code: 29-2072
Medical records specialists carries a 62% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $50,250 and +7.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 194,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 62% AI exposure, Medical records specialists sits 25 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 95% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Medical records specialists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Medical records specialists has ai exposure of 62%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Medical records specialists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Medical records specialists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072) carries an AI exposure score of 62%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 194,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $50,250, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Medical records specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
- 2. Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
- 3. Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
- 4. Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
- 5. Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.
- 6. Maintain or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyze information.
- 7. Post medical insurance billings.
- 8. Process and prepare business or government forms.
- 9. Process patient admission or discharge documents.
- 10. Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Medical records specialists?
Medical records specialists has an AI exposure score of 62%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Medical records specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Medical records specialists is projected to grow by 7.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 194,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Medical records specialists?
Medical records specialists requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Medical records specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Medical records specialists is $50,250, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Medical records specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Medical records specialists is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Medical records specialists?
Medical records specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).