The average Health Unit Coordinator in the US makes $64,205. The average bonus for an Health Unit Coordinator is $393 which represents 1% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year. Health Unit Coordinators make the most in Houston at $99,734, averaging total compensation 55% greater than the US average.
When a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, they and their families know they will have nursing staff and physicians providing care during their stay. What they usually do not realize is that there is another member of this team who takes part in their care behind the scenes: the Health Unit Coordinator (H.U.C.).
Salary for health unit coordinator
Health Unit Coordinator: Fast Facts
- What you’ll do: You’ll handle everything from maintaining patient charts and scheduling diagnostic tests to ordering supplies and transcribing doctor’s orders. You’ll also receive new patients and give information and directions to visitors. Because you’ll serve as an important link between departments, physicians, nursing staff and patients and their visitors, you’ll need to have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Where you’ll work: Hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, public health care agencies, nursing homes
- Degree you’ll need: High school diploma plus 6-month to 1-year certificate or diploma program
- Median annual salary: $37,450
Health Unit Coordinator Training
In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you’ll need to complete a unit coordinator program, usually a 6-month to 1-year certificate or diploma program. In the training programs, students receive a combination of classroom and clinical training. You’ll learn clerical skills, medical terminology, hospital organization, legal and ethical responsibilities, and transcription of doctors’ orders.
Salaries by State
Compare median annual salaries for medical secretaries by state.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
National data
Median Salary: $37,450
Projected job growth: 10.6%
10th Percentile: $29,040
25th Percentile: $30,710
75th Percentile: $46,570
90th Percentile: $53,630
State data
| State | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $38,120 | $29,890 | $59,390 |
| Alabama | $36,890 | $27,930 | $47,840 |
| Arkansas | $30,130 | $23,990 | $45,850 |
| Arizona | $37,660 | $29,570 | $47,700 |
| California | $46,140 | $30,130 | $61,750 |
| Colorado | $37,180 | $29,010 | $47,790 |
| Connecticut | $45,380 | $36,310 | $58,690 |
| District of Columbia | $46,550 | $35,810 | $60,200 |
| Delaware | $37,450 | $29,150 | $47,730 |
| Florida | $36,500 | $28,820 | $46,680 |
| Georgia | $37,350 | $28,560 | $54,730 |
| Hawaii | $37,570 | $29,950 | $47,830 |
| Iowa | $36,590 | $28,870 | $47,010 |
| Idaho | $37,160 | $29,070 | $47,700 |
| Illinois | $37,250 | $29,780 | $47,650 |
| Indiana | $37,080 | $28,820 | $47,410 |
| Kansas | $36,590 | $28,460 | $47,090 |
| Kentucky | $33,520 | $24,080 | $45,850 |
| Louisiana | $35,070 | $26,140 | $46,960 |
| Massachusetts | $47,000 | $36,780 | $60,920 |
| Maryland | $37,880 | $29,950 | $48,570 |
| Maine | $37,700 | $29,740 | $48,220 |
| Michigan | $37,080 | $29,160 | $46,830 |
| Minnesota | $45,850 | $36,430 | $56,840 |
| Missouri | $37,080 | $28,390 | $47,530 |
| Mississippi | $29,790 | $22,620 | $38,380 |
| Montana | $36,810 | $28,820 | $46,960 |
| North Carolina | $36,590 | $28,770 | $46,710 |
| North Dakota | $37,820 | $29,780 | $48,060 |
| Nebraska | $37,490 | $29,160 | $47,680 |
| New Hampshire | $37,880 | $30,180 | $48,250 |
| New Jersey | $39,160 | $30,220 | $55,670 |
| New Mexico | $36,930 | $28,820 | $47,420 |
| Nevada | $37,700 | $30,020 | $48,030 |
| New York | $44,150 | $29,040 | $58,650 |
| Ohio | $36,770 | $28,690 | $47,240 |
| Oklahoma | $36,340 | $23,910 | $46,960 |
| Oregon | $45,850 | $30,180 | $59,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,690 | $28,910 | $47,830 |
| Rhode Island | $46,210 | $37,080 | $60,230 |
| South Carolina | $35,290 | $27,680 | $46,860 |
| South Dakota | $39,080 | $35,260 | $47,530 |
| Tennessee | $34,790 | $24,130 | $46,870 |
| Texas | $36,590 | $25,960 | $47,660 |
| Utah | $36,890 | $28,940 | $47,530 |
| Virginia | $37,750 | $29,350 | $57,900 |
| Vermont | $37,450 | $29,860 | $58,110 |
| Washington | $47,170 | $36,780 | $60,160 |
| Wisconsin | $37,510 | $30,130 | $47,530 |
| West Virginia | $35,730 | $23,820 | $47,530 |
| Wyoming | $36,850 | $28,920 | $47,170 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2030. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Health Unit Coordinator Licensure
National certification is optional, but some employers may require it. After you graduate from an accredited unit coordinator program, you’ll qualify to sit for the National Health Unit Coordinator Certification Examination (NHUCCE). Successful completion results in the title of Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC).
