Master's in Health Informatics Salary for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Health informatics professionals play a key role in managing and analyzing healthcare data to improve patient care and optimize system performance.

While those with an associate’s degree in health information technology earn a median pay of over $67,300 annually, a master’s in health informatics salary tends to be significantly higher, especially in leadership and specialized positions.

This guide examines up-to-date salary figures, career trends, and job outlooks to help you assess whether earning a Master’s in Health Informatics is a smart investment for 2025.

Key Things You Should Know About Master's in Health Informatics Salary

• The median salary in 2025 for health informatics professionals with a master’s degree can range from $46,000 to over $118,000.
• Salary is heavily influenced by experience, industry, and job title. For example, senior roles in pharma and tech often pay much higher than roles in hospitals or public health.
• Remote and hybrid work options are expanding, opening up national salary opportunities regardless of where you live.

Table of Contents

1. What is the average master's in health informatics salary for 2025?
2. What factors influence salary in health informatics careers?
3. How does salary increase with years of experience in health informatics?
4. What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in health informatics?
5. Which industries pay the most for health informatics professionals?
6. Do private sector jobs in health informatics pay more than public ones?
7. Which states pay the most for health informatics careers?
8. What should I consider when selecting a Master's in Health Informatics program?
9. Is pursuing a Master's in Health Informatics a cost-effective investment?
10. What complementary certifications can further enhance my career growth in health informatics?
11. What are the emerging trends in health informatics?
12. Does having a master's degree increase salary in health informatics?
13. What are common career paths after a master’s in health informatics?
14. Can you work remotely with a master’s in health informatics?
15. Other Things You Should Know About Master's in Health Informatics Salary

What is the average master's in health informatics salary for 2025?

According to the latest data from Payscale, the average master’s in health informatics salary is approximately $72,000 per year. However, this figure represents only a midpoint and doesn’t capture the full range of potential earnings across various roles and experience levels. In practice, professionals with a master’s in health informatics can earn significantly more depending on factors such as job title, industry, and years of experience.

For example, informatics managers can earn over $160,000 annually, while directors of informatics may command salaries exceeding $200,000. These higher-paying positions typically involve strategic leadership, oversight of complex health IT systems, and collaboration across multiple departments. Reflecting the growing value of advanced credentials in this field, recent data shows that 23% of health informatics specialists hold a master’s degree, underscoring its role in accessing top-tier opportunities.

What factors influence salary in health informatics careers?

Several key factors can significantly influence salary levels in health informatics careers, making it essential to consider more than just your degree when evaluating earning potential.

• Job Title and Responsibility: Higher-level roles, such as health informatics managers, directors, or chief information officers, typically command much higher salaries than entry-level positions like data analysts or informatics coordinators. These senior roles often involve strategic decision-making, oversight of large teams or systems, and cross-departmental leadership, which justifies the pay difference.
• Certifications: Earning industry-recognized credentials such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) can give candidates a competitive edge. These certifications signal specialized expertise, increasing both marketability and salary potential. What is a project management specialist? Read our article on the topic to find out more.
• Skills: Technical proficiency is increasingly important in the field. Expertise in database management tools like SQL, programming languages such as Python, and electronic health record systems like Epic Systems can lead to higher compensation, especially in data-driven or informatics-heavy roles.
• Industry: The sector you work in also plays a crucial role. Employers in pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and health technology startups often offer higher salaries compared to traditional hospital systems, public health agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
• Location: Geographic location can have a major impact on salary. Professionals working in urban, high-cost-of-living areas—particularly in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts—tend to earn significantly more due to local demand, concentration of healthcare and tech firms, and competitive labor markets.

When compared to other professionals, such as the average salary for teachers with a master’s degree, professionals with a master’s in health informatics typically enjoy significantly higher earning potential.

How does salary increase with years of experience in health informatics?

In health informatics, salary growth is closely tied to years of experience, with professionals typically seeing steady increases as they advance in their careers. Entry-level roles, such as data analysts or clinical informatics specialists, generally start around $62,000 to $65,000 per year. As professionals gain more experience, especially in mid-level positions, their earnings can rise to approximately $70,000 to $82,000. This period often involves taking on more responsibility, managing small teams, or leading projects that integrate health IT systems and improve clinical workflows. For those eager to enter the field quickly, accelerated healthcare programs can provide a faster path to these rewarding roles by combining intensive coursework with focused career preparation.

For those with over 10 to 15 years of experience, salaries can rise substantially, particularly if they move into leadership or specialized roles. Senior-level professionals, such as informatics managers or directors, often earn well into the six-figure range, with salaries ranging from $93,000 to over $200,000 depending on the organization and scope of responsibility. This progression highlights the long-term value of experience in the field, as well as the opportunities for significant financial growth as professionals advance their expertise and leadership capabilities.

Here's a general breakdown of how compensation progresses over time based on the most recent data from Glassdoor:

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in health informatics?

A master’s in health informatics can open the door to high-paying, leadership-level roles that blend clinical knowledge, data science, and health IT expertise. Here are some of the top-paying positions in the field, along with their typical responsibilities:

1. Director of Informatics

• Median Total Pay: $232,000/year
• Role: The Director of Informatics oversees an orgaization’s entire informatics strategy, aligning health IT systems with clinical and operational goals. This executive-level role involves leading teams of analysts, specialists, and IT professionals; managing large-scale data initiatives; ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations; and driving innovation through the use of data analytics and health technologies. They work closely with C-level executives to guide digital transformation in healthcare settings.

2. Informatics Manager

• Median Total Pay: $162,000/year
• Role: Informatics managers supervise the planning and implementation of health informatics systems and processes. They coordinate the work of data analysts, informatics specialists, and IT teams to ensure that health data is accurate, secure, and usable. Their work focuses on improving system efficiency, supporting clinical workflows, and ensuring data integrity across platforms like EHRs (Electronic Health Records). They also play a key role in vendor management and project oversight.

3. Pharmacist Informatics

• Median Total Pay: $149,000/year
• Role: Pharmacists in informatics blend clinical pharmacy expertise with health information systems to enhance medication management, patient safety, and workflow efficiency. They play a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing pharmacy modules within electronic health records (EHRs), monitoring medication usage data, and ensuring regulatory and formulary compliance. This role is especially critical in hospitals, health systems, and integrated care settings. For those looking to enter or advance in this field, an online pharmacy school offering a master’s program with a focus on informatics provides a flexible and accessible pathway.

4. Clinical Informatics Specialist

• Median Total Pay: $146,000/year
• Role: Clinical informatics specialists serve as the bridge between clinical staff and IT departments. They analyze clinical workflows and help implement technologies that improve documentation, care coordination, and data collection. These professionals often lead EHR optimization projects, provide user training, and support data-driven decision-making to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

5. Nursing Informatics Specialist

• Median Total Pay: $125,000/year
• Role: Nursing informatics specialists focus on integrating nursing science with information and communication technologies to improve nursing practice and patient care. They evaluate and customize clinical information systems for nursing workflows, ensure accurate documentation, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives. Their insights help design systems that support better decision-making at the point of care.

Which industries pay the most for health informatics professionals?

Industry plays a major role in determining salary levels for health informatics professionals. While job title and experience are key factors, the type of organization you work for can significantly influence your earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technologists with an associate’s degree earn an average of $80,990 per year in the “management of companies and enterprises” sector—a category that includes corporate offices, consulting firms, and large healthcare systems with strong administrative infrastructures. These environments typically invest more in advanced health IT solutions and require staff with specialized skills to manage large-scale projects and data systems, which drives salaries higher.

In contrast, professionals employed in smaller, more traditional healthcare settings, such as physicians’ offices, tend to earn significantly less, with average annual wages around $52,760. These roles often involve narrower responsibilities, smaller IT budgets, and less exposure to enterprise-level data systems. Other high-paying industries for health informatics professionals include pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms, and health tech startups, all of which seek experts who can translate complex health data into actionable insights that improve outcomes and reduce costs. Working in these sectors often provides more room for advancement, performance bonuses, and exposure to cutting-edge tools and analytics platforms.

Need more information about salaries for specific healthcare occupations, like patient care technician or PCT salary? Check out some of our previous articles.

Do private sector jobs in health informatics pay more than public ones?

Private sector jobs in health informatics generally offer higher salaries compared to public sector positions. This disparity is influenced by factors such as organizational resources, market competitiveness, and the demand for specialized skills.

• Private Sector: Health informatics professionals in the private sector, especially those in leadership roles, often command higher salaries. For instance, informatics managers can earn over $160,000 annually, while directors of informatics may see salaries exceeding $200,000. These roles are typically found in pharmaceutical companies, health tech firms, and private healthcare organizations, where the emphasis is on innovation and efficiency. Many of these positions also overlap with MBA jobs in healthcare, where business acumen and informatics expertise are both essential for driving strategic growth and operational performance.
• Public Sector: In contrast, public sector positions, such as those in government agencies or public health departments, tend to offer lower salaries. For example, the average salary for public health informatics professionals in the U.S. is approximately $98,409 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. These roles often focus on population health and policy implementation, with compensation reflecting budgetary constraints and standardized pay scales.

While the private sector offers higher earning potential, it's important to consider other factors such as job stability, benefits, and personal fulfillment when choosing between private and public sector roles in health informatics.

You can also check out business analytics salary for comparison.

Which states pay the most for health informatics careers?

States that pay the most for health informatics careers are typically those with strong healthcare infrastructures, thriving tech industries, and high costs of living. Locations such as California, Massachusetts, and Washington often top the list due to the presence of major medical centers, health tech companies, and research institutions. These states also have a higher demand for data-driven healthcare solutions, which increases competition and drives up salaries.

Several factors influence salary differences among states, including regional labor market conditions, the concentration of employers in the health and technology sectors, and state-level investments in health IT. Additionally, salaries often reflect the cost of living—professionals in urban or coastal areas generally earn more than those in rural or lower-cost regions, even for similar roles. State regulations and healthcare policies can also impact how much organizations are willing or able to pay for skilled informatics professionals.

You can also check out this healthcare careers list and compare their salaries.

Based on the data provided by ZipRecruiter, below are the top-paying states for health informatics professionals:

What should I consider when selecting a Master's in Health Informatics program?

When evaluating a master’s program, focus on accreditation, curriculum rigor, industry partnerships, and hands-on training opportunities. Examine how the program integrates emerging technologies and practical projects that align with current health IT standards. Consider factors such as flexible scheduling, robust career services, and alumni success in securing strategic roles. Evaluate overall costs against long-term returns, ensuring the program offers clear pathways for advancement in both clinical and administrative capacities. For flexible study options, explore programs like medical assistant school online programs that provide alternative learning formats and competitive tuition structures.

Is pursuing a Master's in Health Informatics a cost-effective investment?

Prospective students should weigh tuition, opportunity costs, and potential debt against long-term salary growth and expanded career opportunities. A rigorous cost–benefit analysis shows that, despite the significant upfront investment, many graduates achieve a return on investment within a few years by advancing into leadership or specialized roles. Applicants are encouraged to compare educational expenses and career outcomes. For example, exploring options such as the cheapest online healthcare administration degree can offer insight into more budget-friendly alternatives while still achieving meaningful professional growth.

What complementary certifications can further enhance my career growth in health informatics?

Beyond the advanced knowledge provided by a master’s degree, specialized certifications can furnish targeted expertise that appeals to employers seeking practical, up-to-date skills. These certifications address niche areas within health IT and data analytics, enabling professionals to integrate emerging technologies with their academic training seamlessly. For instance, accelerated programs such as the online medical assisting degree 6 weeks offer focused learning experiences that reinforce hands-on capabilities and operational efficiency. This strategic supplement not only fortifies one’s resume but also positions candidates as proactive lifelong learners in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are the emerging trends in health informatics?

Innovations in health informatics continue to reshape the industry by integrating advanced technologies that improve both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Recent trends include the expanded use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive analytics in patient data, enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information, and the adoption of blockchain for secure health data exchange. Additionally, telehealth and remote patient monitoring solutions are transforming care delivery models. These developments are driving demand for professionals who can navigate complex IT infrastructures while embracing continuous learning opportunities, such as enrolling in the quickest online health information management degree programs that offer practical insights and industry-relevant skills.

Does having a master's degree increase salary in health informatics?

Earning a master’s degree in health informatics can significantly boost your salary potential and expand your career opportunities. The degree not only demonstrates advanced technical and analytical skills but also signals readiness for leadership and specialized roles, which are often accompanied by higher pay. For those seeking a faster route, there are online master's degree programs you can complete in 6 months, making it possible to advance quickly without putting your career on hold. Employers in both clinical and corporate settings frequently seek candidates with graduate-level training to lead complex health IT projects, manage teams, and navigate regulatory requirements.

For example, a health informatics specialist with a bachelor’s degree may earn an average salary of about $93,500 per year. In contrast, those with a master’s degree in the same role can earn nearly $137,400 annually—a substantial difference that reflects the value of advanced education. Beyond base salary, a master’s degree can also make professionals more competitive for promotions, executive roles, and specialized positions in data science, clinical informatics, or health systems management. In a field driven by data and evolving technologies, a graduate degree often serves as a gateway to the highest-paying and most influential positions.

If you are thinking about taking your health informatics expertise to the classroom and teach, look into "what are the requirements for a master's degree in education." 

What are common career paths after a master’s in health informatics?

Career advancement after earning a master’s in health informatics typically follows one of several key tracks, each offering unique opportunities based on your background and interests.

• Technical Track: Many professionals start as data analysts, working with health records and analytics tools. With experience, they can progress to roles like data engineer, where they design systems for managing and processing large-scale health data. Eventually, they may become health data scientists, using advanced statistical models and machine learning to improve clinical and operational outcomes.
• Clinical Track: Clinicians such as nurses or pharmacists often move into informatics by becoming clinical informaticists—professionals who bridge the gap between patient care and health IT. With additional experience and leadership development, they can progress into high-level roles such as CMIO, where they oversee the strategic use of technology in clinical settings. For nurses aiming to transition into this path, some of the easiest direct entry MSN programs to get into can provide a fast and accessible route into advanced informatics roles.
• Managerial Track: Those with strong organizational and leadership abilities might begin as project managers, coordinating health IT initiatives and system implementations. They can move up to informatics director positions, and eventually to executive roles like Vice President of Health IT, responsible for shaping the digital health strategy of an entire organization.
• Consulting Track: Some professionals enter the consulting field, starting as analysts who assess clients’ IT needs and recommend solutions. With time, they can become senior consultants or healthcare strategy leads, advising hospitals, health systems, or insurers on digital transformation and informatics best practices.

These paths are not rigid. Many professionals blend elements from different tracks. For example, combining technical and clinical expertise to lead data-driven patient care initiatives, creating highly versatile and in-demand career profiles.

Can you work remotely with a degree in health informatics?

Remote work opportunities for health informatics graduates are available. As of May 2025, there are over 450 remote health informatics positions available in the United States, according to LinkedIn, reflecting a growing trend toward flexible work arrangements in this field. Health informatics professionals are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities, as many roles can be effectively performed remotely. Below are some of the common remote roles:

• Clinical Informaticist Analyst: Clinical informaticist analysts serve as intermediaries between clinical staff and IT departments. They analyze clinical workflows, implement EHR systems, and ensure that technological solutions align with patient care objectives. Much of their work involves data analysis, system configuration, and virtual collaboration with healthcare teams, making it conducive to remote settings.
• Health Informatics Analyst: Health informatics analysts collect and interpret healthcare data to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. They develop reports, dashboards, and predictive models to support decision-making. Their tasks are primarily computer-based and involve working with data analytics tools, allowing for effective remote work.
• EHR Clinical Operations Analyst: EHR clinical operations analysts focus on optimizing electronic health record systems. They troubleshoot issues, customize interfaces, and train staff to ensure efficient use of EHRs. System analysis and user support can often be conducted via remote access tools and virtual communication platforms.
• Clinical Informatics Consultant: Clinical informatics consultants advise healthcare organizations on the implementation and optimization of health IT systems. They assess current practices and recommend technological solutions to enhance care delivery. Consultants often work independently, conducting assessments and meetings virtually, which suits remote work models.
• Healthcare Informatics Program Manager: These professionals oversee health informatics projects, coordinating between departments to ensure the successful implementation of IT initiatives. They manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications. Project management tasks, including planning and coordination, can be effectively performed using digital tools and virtual meetings.

What do graduates say about their Master's in Health Informatics salary?

• After completing my Master’s in Health Informatics, I transitioned into a data analyst role at a major hospital system with a 40% salary increase. Not only am I earning more, but I feel proud knowing my work helps improve patient outcomes through better data. Quinn
• The financial return on my health informatics degree was immediate—I landed a six-figure role in healthcare IT within six months of graduating. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a growing field that values both my technical and clinical knowledge. Gianna
• I was hesitant about going back to school, but this degree opened doors to consulting opportunities that tripled my income compared to my previous nursing job. What’s more, I love the mix of tech and healthcare—it feels like I’ve found my niche. Priscila

Key Findings

• The average salary for someone with a master’s in health informatics is about $72,000 per year.
• Director of Informatics is among the top-paying roles, with a median salary of $232,000 annually.
• Health informatics professionals typically earn more in the private sector than in the public sector.
• Washington state, the District of Columbia, and New York are among the highest-paying states for health informatics jobs.
• A master’s degree in health informatics can boost a specialist’s salary by $44,000 compared to someone with a bachelor’s degree.

Other Things You Should Know About Master's in Health Informatics Salary

Is a master's in health informatics worth it?

Yes, a master’s in health informatics is often worth it for those seeking advanced roles in healthcare technology, data analysis, or leadership. The degree opens doors to higher-paying jobs, such as informatics managers and directors, and offers long-term career growth in a fast-evolving industry. It’s especially valuable for professionals who want to bridge clinical knowledge with IT and analytics.

Is health informatics a hard degree?

Health informatics can be challenging, especially for those without a background in healthcare or data science. The program typically involves learning health systems, IT tools, and data analysis methods, which require technical and critical thinking skills. However, students with a strong interest in healthcare and technology often find it manageable and rewarding.

What are the disadvantages of health informatics?

One disadvantage of health informatics is that the field can be highly technical, requiring ongoing learning to keep up with new systems and regulations. Entry-level roles may also offer modest pay compared to the qualifications needed. Additionally, navigating the intersection of clinical, administrative, and IT systems can be complex and occasionally frustrating.

References:

• Payscale. (2024, August 1). Master of science (MS), health informatics salary. Payscale.com. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
• U.S. BLS. (2025, April 18). Occupational outlook handbook: Health information technologists and medical registrars. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
• Zippia. (2025, July 21). Health informatics specialist demographics and statistics [2024]: Number of health informatics specialists in the US. Zippia.com. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
• ZipRecruiter. (2025, April 29). Public health informatics salary. ZipRecruiter.com. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
• ZipRecruiter. (2025). What is the average health informatics salary by state. ZipRecruiter.com. Retrieved May 6, 2025.