Medical Records Clerk Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz, California$58,875 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Medical Records Clerk Jobs in Santa Cruz

Looking for a Medical Records Clerk job in Santa Cruz? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Medical Records Clerk in Santa Cruz, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Santa Cruz has a strong job market for Medical Records Clerks. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Medical Records Clerk Salary in Santa Cruz

Entry Level
$40,035
Median
$58,875
Senior Level
$81,248

Medical Records Clerk salaries in Santa Cruz are 57% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Santa Cruz is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Records ManagementData EntryEHR SystemsOrganizationHIPAA Compliance

Medical Records Clerk Job Market in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Medical Records Clerk professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Santa Cruz offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Education sectors create robust demand for Medical Records Clerk talent. The market for Medical Records Clerk positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz

Local hospital systemsRegional healthcare networksPrivate medical groups

Major employers hiring Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz

Living in Santa Cruz as a Medical Records Clerk means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (157% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Medical Records Clerk salary, rent would consume about 37% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

157
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Medical Records Clerk in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Medical Records Clerk professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Medical Records Clerk earning $58,875 might pay approximately $4,710 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Medical Records Clerks

The job outlook for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Santa Cruz offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Records Management, Data Entry, EHR Systems, Organization.

Relocating to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has a very high cost of living. Many Medical Records Clerks negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Medical Records Clerk salary in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average Medical Records Clerk salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $58,875 per year. Entry-level Medical Records Clerks typically start around $40,035, while experienced professionals can earn $81,248 or more. The national average for Medical Records Clerk roles is $37,500.

How many Medical Records Clerk jobs are available in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Medical Records Clerk professionals. Major employers hiring Medical Records Clerks include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. The Technology and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Santa Cruz a good city for Medical Records Clerks?

Santa Cruz is an excellent choice for Medical Records Clerks. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz?

Top skills for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz include Records Management, Data Entry, EHR Systems, Organization, HIPAA Compliance. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz's cost of living is significantly above the national average (157% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Santa Cruz is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Medical Records Clerks in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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