How much does a medical scribe make?

Are you a company in the healthcare industry searching for qualified medical scribes to join your team? As you navigate the hiring process, one crucial aspect to consider is – how much does a medical scribe make? 

You must understand the factors that influence medical scribe salaries. This is vital to establish competitive compensation packages and attract top talent. 

In this article, we’ll explore the current salary ranges of medical scribes, factors that impact their earnings, and what companies can do to ensure fair benefits.  

What is a medical scribe?

A medical scribe is a trained professional who documents and organizes patient information. Medical scribes work alongside healthcare providers during examinations, procedures, and interactions. 

They must accurately record and transcribe in real-time and into the electronic health system (EHR) details of:

• Medical histories
• Examination findings
• Treatment plans 

By doing so, they alleviate the administrative burden of healthcare providers. 

Medical scribes are often adept at medical terminology, coding, and the nuances of healthcare documentation and patient confidentiality. They may work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, emergency departments, or specialty practices.

A collaborative approach between medical scribes and healthcare professionals helps improve the overall patient experience.  

How much does a medical scribe make in 2024?

Salary.com describes the average annual salary of a medical scribe in the US is $38,148. The salary range typically falls between $31,784 and $41,977.  

ZipRecruiter lists New York as the US state that offers the highest average annual salary for a medical scribe, which is $39,039. Arkansas offers the lowest average annual salary at $25,904. 

Factors that influence the salary of medical scribe

Several factors influence how much a medical scribe makes, reflecting the diverse aspects that contribute to compensation within this support role. 

These factors include: 

Geographic location

Salaries for medical scribes can vary significantly based on their geographic location. Areas with a higher cost of living or a higher demand for medical scribes may offer higher wage to compensate for increased expenses. 

Experience and skill level

Like any profession, the level of experience plays a significant role in determining how much medical scribes make. 

Entry-level medical scribes typically earn less than their more experienced counterparts. Medical scribes with specialized skills, certifications, and additional training may command higher salaries. 

Certifications and specializations

Obtaining relevant certifications or acquiring additional skills can enhance a medical scribe’s value and potentially lead to higher salary opportunities. 

Examples include certifications in medical terminology or proficiency with specific electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Scope of responsibilities

The specific responsibilities assigned to a medical scribe can influence salary levels. Medical scribes who take on additional duties, such as assisting with administrative tasks, can be eligible for higher compensation. 

Healthcare setting

The type of healthcare facility can impact a medical scribe’s salary. Hospitals, emergency departments, or specialized clinics may offer higher salaries than small clinics or private practices. 

Those working in government positions may also experience variations in compensation. 

Industry trends

The overall demand for medical scribes can affect salary rates. Factors like industry trends and the evolving healthcare landscape play a large role.

Areas experiencing a higher demand for healthcare services may see more competitive salaries for medical scribes.  

It’s important to note that these factors can vary and may interact differently within different healthcare organizations or regions. Employers should consider these factors when determining appropriate salary ranges for medical scribes.

Benefits to offer a medical scribe

Providing benefits to medical scribes can be advantageous for both the organization and the employee. 

Here are some benefits to consider when offering medical scribes: 

Competitive compensation

Providing a competitive salary is crucial to attracting and retaining qualified medical scribes. It helps organizations stand out in the job market and ensures employees feel valued for their contributions.

Offer a competitive base salary that reflects the scribe’s skills, experience, and the local job market.

Healthcare coverage

Offering comprehensive health insurance coverage to medical scribes demonstrates a commitment to their well-being. It can help attract and retain top talent. Offer at least medical, dental, and vision coverage.

This provides financial protection for medical expenses, promotes preventive care, and supports overall employee health.

Retirement plans

Include options such as 401(k) plans or other retirement savings programs to help medical scribes plan for their future and achieve financial security. This benefit can also be an attractive incentive for recruitment and retention.

Paid time off (PTO) 

Allow for paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. Providing a generous PTO policy helps promote work-life balance, reduces burnout, and enhances employee satisfaction.

Flexible work arrangements 

Consider offering flexible work schedules or remote work options to accommodate individual preferences. It helps medical scribes balance work with personal obligations and can contribute to increased job satisfaction and retention.

Training and professional development 

Support continuous learning by providing training, certifications, and professional development. This investment benefits both the scribes and the organization by ensuring high-quality, up-to-date services. 

Career advancement opportunities 

Opportunities for career advancement within the organization can motivate medical scribes to excel in their roles. Outline clear paths for promotions to enhance engagement and job satisfaction. 

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) 

Employee assistance programs offer support services for mental health, financial planning, and other personal issues. Including an EAP in the benefits package can help medical scribes address personal challenges, leading to increased well-being and productivity.

When to hire a medical scribe

Here are a few scenarios when organizations may consider hiring a medical scribe: 

• Efficiency and productivity goals – Introduce medical scribes into the workflow if you aim to improve overall efficiency and productivity goals. 
• Time-intensive administration – If you spend too much time on administrative tasks, hiring a medical scribe can streamline the process. 
• Transition to EHR implementation – Hiring a medical scribe can be beneficial when transitioning to an electronic health record system. 
• Specialized medical fields – A medical scribe can aid certain medical specialties where documentation needs to be intricate and specific. 
• Improving accuracy and compliance – If there are concerns about documentation accuracy or the need for adherence to specific coding requirements, hiring a medical scribe can be a strategic solution. 

Assessing the specific needs and challenges of the healthcare facility will help determine the optimal timing for hiring a medical scribe. This ensures a seamless integration that positively impacts both workflow efficiency and patient care quality. 

When considering, “How much does a medical scribe make?” be sure to pay them in alignment with these professionals’ significant contributions to your institution.