Health Informatics Career: 2025 Guide to Jobs & Salary

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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A 2022 study titled "A Data-Driven Assessment of the US Health Informatics Programs and Job Market" by Patel et al. revealed that only 39% of US universities offered programs in health informatics, biomedical informatics, or health information management.

Despite growing demand for professionals in these fields, education pathways remain limited, leaving many students and career changers unsure of how to enter the industry.

This article addresses that gap by offering a clear, updated guide to health informatics careers for 2025, including job options, salary expectations, and essential qualifications.

Key Things You Should Know About Health Informatics Careers

• Organizational leadership roles in health informatics often require advanced degrees and certifications, blending expertise in both healthcare systems and data management.
• Salaries in health informatics are competitive, with roles like Health Informatics Specialist earning an average of $91,323 and Clinical Analysts earning around $80,252 per year.
• Job growth in health informatics is fueled by the healthcare industry's ongoing digital transformation, creating increasing demand for professionals skilled in data analysis, cybersecurity, and system management.

Table of Contents

1. What is health informatics in healthcare?
2. What degree is needed for a career in health informatics?
3. How long does it take to earn an online health informatics degree?
4. What skills are needed for a career in health informatics?
5. What jobs can you get with a degree in health informatics?
6. Who are the top employers for health informatics professionals?
7. What is the average salary for health informatics professionals for 2025?
8. Can Complementary Training Enhance Your Health Informatics Career?
9. Is there an affordable pathway into health informatics?
10. How do health informatics salaries compare by state?
11. What is the future of health informatics jobs?
12. How do you break into health informatics with no experience?
13. Does accreditation impact career outcomes in health informatics?
14. Can interdisciplinary studies boost health informatics expertise?
15. Other Things You Should Know About Health Informatics Careers

What is health informatics in healthcare?

Health informatics is the discipline focused on managing and analyzing health information using technology and data science principles. It bridges the gap between clinical work and information systems, ensuring that patient data is collected, stored, and used in ways that improve both individual care and broader public health outcomes. In a healthcare setting, health informatics professionals develop systems that help clinicians make better decisions, streamline hospital operations, and support research.

This field covers a wide range of areas, from electronic health records (EHR) management to predictive analytics for disease prevention. Professionals often work behind the scenes to design software systems, maintain data security, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. As the healthcare industry increasingly relies on technology for patient care and management, the demand for skilled health informatics specialists continues to rise.

For those interested in public health roles, understanding how to become a community health worker is valuable, as CHWs often rely on health informatics tools to track patient data, coordinate care, and improve health outcomes within communities.

What degree is needed for a career in health informatics?

Starting a career in health informatics typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in health informatics, healthcare administration, information technology (IT), or a related field. However, many employers prefer or even require candidates to hold advanced degrees, particularly for specialized or leadership roles. Among US universities surveyed, approximately 94 out of 238 institutions offer health informatics programs—92 universities provide a Master of Science (MS) degree, 43 offer doctoral programs, 42 offer both MS and doctoral degrees, and 54 offer certificate programs. This diversity allows students to choose a program that fits their career goals.

In addition to formal education, aspiring professionals often seek certifications to boost their credentials. For example, individuals interested in cybersecurity aspects of health informatics may also pursue qualifications related to information security officer qualifications to better manage sensitive health data. Certifications like CAHIMS (Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) or CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) are also highly regarded in the industry.

How long does it take to earn an online health informatics degree?

The time it takes to complete an online health informatics degree can vary significantly based on the level of education pursued. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years to complete, while an accelerated program may shorten this timeline. An MS in Health Informatics can typically be finished in 18 to 24 months, although part-time options can extend the duration. Doctoral programs may take three to five years depending on research requirements.

Some students may opt to earn only a bachelor's degree before entering the workforce, while others pursue a master's or even a doctorate to unlock higher-paying, specialized roles. For instance, someone interested in public health applications of informatics might also explore programs like what is a master of public health degree to strengthen their career path. Choosing between these options often depends on career goals, financial resources, and available time commitments.

What skills are needed for a career in health informatics?

A successful career in health informatics demands a combination of technical, clinical, and soft skills. Based on recent market assessments, about 41% of health informatics job postings require knowledge in areas like:

• Clinical information systems; 
• Data analysis;
• Project management; 
• Medical terminology; and 
• Database management. 

Familiarity with EHR platforms, healthcare regulations, and health data security protocols is also highly valuable.

Key technical skills include:

• Data analytics and statistical software
• Database management and SQL
• Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum)
• Cybersecurity principles and risk assessment
• Interoperability standards like HL7 and FHIR

Soft skills are equally critical. Professionals must excel in problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership, especially when collaborating with clinical staff and IT teams. Those with a background in healthcare or who have completed certifications such as how to become a women's health nurse practitioner often have an advantage because they understand both clinical and administrative needs.

This is especially important in fields where clinical nuances matter, such as in the ongoing discussions around geriatrics vs gerontology, where understanding the distinct care needs and terminology helps health informatics specialists design more effective systems.

What jobs can you get with a degree in health informatics?

A degree in health informatics opens doors to a variety of career opportunities across healthcare organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and private tech companies. Here are some of the common roles:

• Health Informatics Specialist: These professionals design and maintain healthcare information systems, ensuring that patient data is accurate, secure, and easily accessible to authorized personnel.
• Clinical Informatics Specialist: Working closely with clinical staff, these specialists help implement and optimize EHR systems to improve workflow efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Clinical Analyst: Analysts focus on evaluating healthcare data to support quality improvement initiatives, cost control efforts, and strategic decision-making within healthcare institutions.
• Clinical Informatics Director: This senior leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of informatics operations within a healthcare organization, from system integration to regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

Additionally, roles like what is a healthcare administrator often intersect with health informatics, especially in managing the technological infrastructure needed for patient care and organizational efficiency. Each of these careers offers a unique way to contribute to the future of healthcare through technology and innovation.

Who are the top employers for health informatics professionals?

Private companies dominate the hiring landscape for health informatics professionals. 49% of health informatics specialists, 72% of clinical informatics specialists, and 70% of clinical analysts are employed by private organizations rather than government agencies or academic institutions. These companies range from healthcare IT vendors to large hospital systems and consulting firms.

In particular, technology companies, insurance providers, pharmaceutical firms, and healthcare networks are constantly looking for skilled professionals who can navigate complex health data environments. Those interested in the security side of informatics may also want to explore roles related to how to become an information security analyst, as protecting sensitive patient information is a growing priority across the sector. 

What is the average salary for health informatics professionals for 2025?

Salaries in the health informatics field can vary depending on job title, education, and experience, but they are generally competitive compared to many other healthcare-related careers. Based on recent data from Zippia, the average salaries for key roles are as follows:

Those who take on leadership roles or expand into IT management often command even higher salaries. For example, individuals interested in broader IT leadership positions within healthcare might explore the information systems manager salary pathway, where earnings can be significantly higher. As the field continues to expand, salaries are expected to keep pace with the growing demand for skilled health informatics professionals.

Can Complementary Training Enhance Your Health Informatics Career?

While academic degrees provide foundational knowledge, targeted training options can address practical skills and emerging technologies in health informatics. Supplementing formal education with specialized courses helps bridge gaps in hands-on experience, data analytics, and technology integration. Professionals may benefit from enrolling in cost-effective, flexible training programs to develop competencies not always covered in traditional curricula, thereby enhancing employability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. For instance, exploring online medical assisting courses can offer practical insights and technical proficiency that complement formal health informatics education.

Is there an affordable pathway into health informatics?

For many aspiring professionals, managing education costs is a top priority when entering the field. Evaluating cost-effective options—such as community college transfers, financial aid packages, and recognized certifications—can provide an excellent alternative to traditional degree programs. Additionally, integrating targeted supplemental programs can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills without incurring prohibitive expenses. For instance, enrolling in online health administration courses can offer a flexible and affordable introduction to healthcare management principles that complement health informatics training. Detailed cost comparisons and program reviews are crucial for making an informed decision and ensuring that quality education remains accessible.

How do health informatics salaries compare by state?

Health informatics salaries are not uniform across the US. Certain states offer significantly higher average salaries, often due to cost of living differences, demand for healthcare IT specialists, and regional healthcare investment levels.

According to Zippia data, states such as Utah, Louisiana, Maryland, and Hawaii pay health informatics specialists between $110,000 to over $115,000 annually. Professionals willing to relocate to these states may find greater earning potential and more robust career opportunities.

When exploring health-related career paths and salary prospects, many people ask questions like is dental assistant the same as dental hygienist because understanding different roles helps clarify educational requirements and compensation expectations. Similarly, it’s important for job seekers to consider not only salary but also benefits, professional development support, and work-life balance when evaluating offers from different locations.

What is the future of health informatics jobs?

The future for health informatics professionals looks exceptionally bright. As healthcare systems continue to digitize and prioritize data-driven care, the need for skilled informatics experts is expected to grow steadily. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, and wearable health devices will further fuel the demand for specialists who can manage and analyze complex health data systems.

Moreover, the ongoing focus on healthcare data privacy, interoperability, and value-based care models ensures that health informatics will remain a critical field. Professionals who stay current with technology trends and continuously update their skills—especially in cybersecurity, analytics, and health IT leadership—will be best positioned to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

How do you break into health informatics with no experience?

Breaking into health informatics without direct experience can seem challenging, but it is absolutely possible with the right strategy. Many successful professionals start by leveraging related backgrounds, such as nursing, IT, public health, or healthcare administration, to transition into informatics roles. Pursuing a specialized certificate or enrolling in an online program can also build essential knowledge quickly.

Entry-level roles such as health data analyst, EHR specialist, or project coordinator in healthcare IT departments often serve as stepping stones. Volunteering for informatics-related projects within a current healthcare or administrative job can also help build relevant experience.

For those exploring parallel healthcare careers—like comparing PT vs chiropractor to determine the best clinical path—the key is to find overlap with health informatics, such as rehabilitation data or patient outcome tracking. Networking, mentorship, and continuing education are key tools for anyone aiming to move into the field and grow within it over time.

What do graduates say about their health informatics careers?

Earning my master’s in health informatics opened doors I never imagined. Within six months of graduating, I secured a clinical analyst position at a major hospital system, combining my love for technology and patient care. Every day feels like an opportunity to solve meaningful problems and improve healthcare outcomes. Looking back, the hard work and late nights were completely worth it. Jasmine

Transitioning from nursing to health informatics was challenging, but completing my certification and degree gave me the confidence to step into a leadership role. Now, I lead a team focused on EHR optimization, making a real difference behind the scenes. Watching my colleagues embrace the systems we built has been incredibly rewarding. It feels amazing to still contribute to patient care, just in a different way. Marcus

After finishing my bachelor's in health informatics, I was hired by a healthcare IT firm where I work on data security projects. Knowing that I’m helping protect patient information every day gives my work deep meaning. The technical skills I gained through my program gave me a huge advantage during the hiring process. I’m excited to keep growing in a field that’s always evolving. Olivia

Does accreditation impact career outcomes in health informatics?

Accredited health informatics programs are designed to meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring that curriculum and training are aligned with current technological and regulatory demands. This validation enhances program credibility with employers, helping graduates demonstrate a commitment to quality and professional excellence. Recognized accreditation can also streamline pathways into specialized roles and leadership positions. For candidates seeking an expedited educational route, exploring a fast track degree in healthcare administration programs may offer a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

Can interdisciplinary studies boost health informatics expertise?

Integrating interdisciplinary studies with health informatics credentials can expand professionals' analytical and technical capabilities. Supplementing core training with specialized courses, such as pursuing the cheapest online biochemistry degree, enables professionals to understand underlying biomedical mechanisms and refine their approach to data analysis. This cross-disciplinary insight can enhance the ability to address complex clinical challenges, foster innovation in diagnostic development, and support collaborative research initiatives across diverse healthcare domains.

Key Findings

• Approximately 94 out of 238 US universities offer health informatics programs at the master's, doctoral, or certificate level.
• About 41% of health informatics jobs require expertise in clinical information systems, data analysis, project management, medical terminology, and database management.
• Private companies employ the majority of health informatics professionals, with 49% of health informatics specialists, 72% of clinical informatics specialists, and 70% of clinical analysts working in this sector.
• Health informatics specialists in top-paying states like Washington, Utah, and Hawaii earn between $110,000 to $115,000+ annually.
• Average salaries for health informatics roles vary: Health Informatics Specialists ($91,323), Clinical Informatics Specialists ($83,169), Clinical Analysts ($80,252), and Clinical Informatics Directors ($68,090).

Other Things You Should Know About Health Informatics Careers

What is the difference between health informatics and HIM?

Health informatics focuses on using technology and data analysis to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and system efficiencies. In contrast, HIM is centered on organizing, coding, and securing patient medical records for billing, compliance, and record-keeping purposes. Health informatics tends to involve designing systems, analyzing data trends, and supporting clinical decision-making. Meanwhile, HIM professionals ensure that healthcare documentation is accurate, legal, and accessible when needed. Both fields play crucial roles, but they operate at different points within the healthcare data lifecycle.

Should I choose health informatics or HIM?

Choosing between health informatics and HIM depends on your interests and career goals. If you enjoy working with technology, improving clinical systems, and analyzing health data to drive innovation, health informatics may be the better fit. If you prefer managing health records, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing data governance, HIM could be the right path. Health informatics typically offers more opportunities in system design, analytics, and leadership roles, especially as healthcare becomes more technology-driven. On the other hand, HIM remains essential for the foundational structure of healthcare documentation and legal health records management.

What is the difference between health informatics and bioinformatics?

Health informatics deals primarily with clinical, administrative, and patient-centered healthcare information, while bioinformatics focuses on biological and genetic data. Health informatics professionals work with electronic health records, telehealth systems, and healthcare analytics. In contrast, bioinformatics specialists handle data like DNA sequencing, protein structures, and genomics for research and drug development. Health informatics aims to optimize healthcare delivery, whereas bioinformatics supports scientific discovery and innovation in medicine. Although both fields use data science and technology, their goals and applications are distinct.

How does health informatics differ from nursing informatics?

Health informatics is a broad field that applies data management and analysis across the entire healthcare system, covering clinical care, administration, public health, and research. Nursing informatics is a specialized branch that focuses on how nurses use data and information systems to support patient care. Professionals in nursing informatics design workflows, implement clinical documentation tools, and train nursing staff on new technologies. While health informatics can include system-wide initiatives, nursing informatics stays closely tied to the nursing practice and patient interaction. Both fields overlap, but nursing informatics is deeply rooted in clinical nursing expertise.

References:

• Patel, J. S., Vo, H., Nguyen, A., Dzomba, B., & Wu, H. (2022). A Data-Driven Assessment of the U.S. health informatics programs and job market. Applied Clinical Informatics, 13(02), 327–338. National Library of Medicine.
• Zippia. (2025, January 8). Clinical Analyst Demographics and Statistics [2025]: Number of clinical analysts in the US. Zippia.
• Zippia. (2025, January 8). Clinical Informatics Director Demographics and Statistics [2025]: Number of clinical informatics directors in the US. Zippia.
• Zippia. (2025, January 8). Clinical Informatics Specialist Demographics and Statistics [2025]: Number of clinical informatics specialists in the US. Zippia.
• Zippia. (2025, January 8). Health Informatics Specialist Demographics and Statistics [2025]: Number of health informatics specialists in the US. Zippia.