Medical Transcriptionist salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 4 to 12 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$45,050/ yr
$3,754 / mo · $21.66 / hr
↑ $4,640 above the national median ($40,410)
Pay by experience
Entry
$35,984
Median
$45,050
Experienced
$62,629
Demand
Declining
Program length
4 to 12 months
Projected growth
-4.9%
Annual openings
7,400
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$45,050
2025 national
$40,410
2024 national
$37,550
↑ +7.6% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
-4.9% projected growth through 2034
7,400 average annual openings nationwide for Medical Transcriptionists.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$3,515
- Time to complete4 to 12 months
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$35,984
- Median salary$45,050
- Experienced salary$62,629
At an entry wage of $35,984, most Medical Transcriptionists break even on the $3,515 training investment in about 2 months of work.
How to become a Medical Transcriptionist in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Medical Transcriptionist program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Medical Transcriptionist tracks complete in 4 to 12 months and average $3,515 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 7,400 Medical Transcriptionist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Medical Transcriptionist in California is $45,050 per year, which is $21.66 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $35,984 while experienced Medical Transcriptionists can earn up to $62,629 annually.
Next step
Find Medical Transcriptionist Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Medical Transcriptionist classes in your area.