Career profile · 15-1211
Health Informatics Specialists
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
What the work can involve
- Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques.
- Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems.
- Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
- Analyze and interpret patient, nursing, or information systems data to improve nursing services.
- Identify, collect, record, or analyze data relevant to the nursing care of patients.
- Apply knowledge of computer science, information science, nursing, and informatics theory to nursing practice, education, administration, or research, in collaboration with other health informatics specialists.
Selected core tasks from O*NET 31.0. Responsibilities vary by employer, specialization and experience.
Preparation and entry routes
This O*NET group commonly calls for extensive preparation, often including advanced education and significant experience. A related certificate or associate program should not be treated as sufficient qualification.
Check the route for the specific occupation where you plan to work. Education, employer experience requirements, occupational licensing and industry certification can be separate steps.
Understand the different credentials →Skills used in this occupation
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Knowledge to build
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Common work activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Training subjects to investigate
The federal education-to-occupation crosswalk connects this role to the subjects below. These links do not endorse a school or guarantee that any particular award qualifies a graduate for the job.
Working conditions to consider
These are the most common published responses to selected O*NET work-setting questions. They describe occupation-level survey findings, not every employer or a particular job.
| Work-setting question | Most common response | Share giving that response |
|---|---|---|
| Contact With Others | Constant contact with others | 47.6%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | Never | 70.0%08/2024 · sample 20 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | Once a year or more but not every month | 38.1%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | Never | 90.5%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Spend Time Sitting | More than half the time | 57.1%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Spend Time Standing | Less than half the time | 66.7%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | Never | 47.6%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Time Pressure | Once a month or more but not every week | 42.9%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | Never | 71.4%08/2024 · sample 21 |
| Work Schedules | Regular (established routine, set schedule) | 90.5%08/2024 · sample 21 |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, selected topics. Only unsuppressed source responses with sample size at least 10 are shown. A most-common response need not be a majority. Sampling uncertainty applies; source dates vary. Ask employers about actual schedules, accessibility, protective equipment and working conditions.
Software used in the workplace
Use these O*NET examples to ask how a course builds practical digital skills. They are workplace examples, not a required shopping list or confirmation of a school’s curriculum.
- Analytical or scientific software: IBM SPSS Statistics, SAS
- Business intelligence and data analysis software: Microsoft Power BI, Qlik Tech QlikView, Qlik software, Tableau
- Calendar and scheduling software: McKesson ANSOS One-Staff
- Compliance software: Sparta Systems TrackWise
- Computer based training software: Learning management system LMS
- Customer relationship management CRM software: Salesforce software
- Data base management system software: Apache Hadoop
- Data base reporting software: SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
- Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access, Structured query language SQL
- Development environment software: Software development tools
- Document management software: Microsoft SharePoint
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook
Selected categories and examples from O*NET 31.0 Software Skills. Products and employer requirements change. These examples are not endorsements; check the complete official occupation profile.
Physical demands and schedule evidence
BLS surveyed jobs in the broader occupation Computer systems analysts (SOC 15-1211). These preliminary 2025 estimates describe work requirements across surveyed employers. Individual workplaces, adjustments and duties differ.
Explore 52 occupational requirement estimates
| Requirement | Share of workers | Standard error |
|---|---|---|
| Workers that had work schedule variability required | 7.1% | 4.5 percentage points |
| Workers that had the ability to pause work Estimate is greater than 90 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >90% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that had the ability to telework This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 86.1% | 6.1 percentage points |
| Workers that required on-the-job training This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 71.5% | 10.6 percentage points |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme cold Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme heat Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to quiet noise This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 55.4% | 13.2 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to moderate noise | 44.6% | 13.2 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to very loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that used personal protective equipment to mitigate exposure to noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to outdoors Estimate is greater than 95 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >95% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, seldom Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were allowed the choice of sitting or standing This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 96.8% | 1.5 percentage points |
| Workers that were not allowed the choice of sitting or standing | 3.2% | 1.5 percentage points |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, seldom Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required driving | 3.8% | 2.6 percentage points |
| Workers that required work in low postures Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that could choose to crawl when in low postures Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that could choose to stoop when in low postures Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that could choose to kneel when in low postures Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that could choose to crouch when in low postures Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, occasionally Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with one hand Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with both hands Estimate is less than 10 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a sedentary strength level This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 96.6% | 2.0 percentage points |
| Workers that required a light strength level Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a medium strength level Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a heavy strength level Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a very heavy strength level Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
Use this evidence to ask about the actual work environment and available accommodations. It is not a medical assessment or a reason to rule yourself out of an occupation.
BLS Occupational Requirements Survey, preliminary 2025, released January 16, 2026; samples collected August 2023–July 2025. Source bounds such as “less than” are preserved. Categories are not necessarily additive. Understanding standard errors.
Pay & employment outlook
Salary estimates for health informatics specialists
This O*NET specialty shares the BLS 15-1211 occupation series. Pay is measured for Computer Systems Analysts, not separately for this specialty.
The median divides workers into two equally sized groups by pay. It is not a starting salary, a school’s graduate outcome or a promise of employment. Lower percentiles are not automatically new graduates.
National outlook: 2025–2035
- Typical education for entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- None
BLS national employment projections, 2025–2035. Openings include people leaving occupations or the labor force; these are not advertised vacancies. Education categories describe typical entry, not legal eligibility or a guarantee that any specific program is sufficient.
Compare wages across 51 state/DC estimates
| State | Annual median | Hourly median | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,770 | $48.93 | 6,560 |
| Alaska | $88,520 | $42.56 | 420 |
| Arizona | $103,530 | $49.77 | 11,330 |
| Arkansas | $81,760 | $39.31 | 4,100 |
| California | $127,720 | $61.40 | 59,060 |
| Colorado | $127,750 | $61.42 | 6,230 |
| Connecticut | $109,600 | $52.69 | 4,800 |
| Delaware | $110,560 | $53.16 | 2,140 |
| District of Columbia | $116,820 | $56.16 | 2,480 |
| Florida | $101,900 | $48.99 | 35,270 |
| Georgia | $106,240 | $51.08 | 11,640 |
| Hawaii | $88,640 | $42.61 | 1,670 |
| Idaho | $75,310 | $36.21 | 1,650 |
| Illinois | $101,570 | $48.83 | 20,610 |
| Indiana | $98,810 | $47.51 | 9,660 |
| Iowa | $95,920 | $46.11 | 4,760 |
| Kansas | $100,770 | $48.45 | 3,740 |
| Kentucky | $95,090 | $45.72 | 5,930 |
| Louisiana | $95,660 | $45.99 | 2,980 |
| Maine | $95,820 | $46.07 | 2,480 |
| Maryland | $113,610 | $54.62 | 15,340 |
| Massachusetts | $128,240 | $61.66 | 22,160 |
| Michigan | $103,410 | $49.72 | 14,070 |
| Minnesota | $106,350 | $51.13 | 11,330 |
| Mississippi | $86,280 | $41.48 | 1,990 |
| Missouri | $92,060 | $44.26 | 7,730 |
| Montana | $91,310 | $43.90 | 850 |
| Nebraska | $91,810 | $44.14 | 2,440 |
| Nevada | $104,060 | $50.03 | 2,540 |
| New Hampshire | $107,670 | $51.77 | 2,090 |
| New Jersey | $122,890 | $59.08 | 16,520 |
| New Mexico | $98,220 | $47.22 | 2,290 |
| New York | $109,610 | $52.70 | 24,100 |
| North Carolina | $106,850 | $51.37 | 20,910 |
| North Dakota | $105,470 | $50.71 | 280 |
| Ohio | $102,320 | $49.19 | 19,190 |
| Oklahoma | $95,930 | $46.12 | 3,710 |
| Oregon | $121,620 | $58.47 | 5,640 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,550 | $47.38 | 19,450 |
| Rhode Island | $134,630 | $64.73 | 1,850 |
| South Carolina | $98,280 | $47.25 | 7,700 |
| South Dakota | $99,790 | $47.98 | 1,110 |
| Tennessee | $95,630 | $45.98 | 10,220 |
| Texas | $107,390 | $51.63 | 47,990 |
| Utah | $98,770 | $47.48 | 2,950 |
| Vermont | $99,610 | $47.89 | 590 |
| Virginia | $120,840 | $58.09 | 23,190 |
| Washington | $129,410 | $62.22 | 24,120 |
| West Virginia | Not published | Not published | 1,030 |
| Wisconsin | $100,440 | $48.29 | 8,340 |
| Wyoming | $109,780 | $52.78 | 310 |
Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan wages
Search the 495 published local-area estimates for this occupation. Metropolitan areas can cross state lines; a city’s postal name is not necessarily the statistical area’s name.
Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS public downloads and 2025–2035 employment projections, retrieved September 9, 2026. Unpublished estimates stay unavailable. “+” means BLS’s upper reporting threshold ($239,200 annually or $115 hourly). Wages exclude self-employment and nonwage benefits. How to interpret these figures.
Compare the route and prepare for work
Questions to test the fit
- What does an entry-level working day look like, and how does it differ from the experienced role described here?
- Which tasks, work environments and schedules would I enjoy or find difficult?
- What education, supervised practice and credentials do local employers actually request?
- Can I speak with someone in the occupation or arrange a suitable workplace visit?
- How does the complete training cost compare with my realistic budget and available routes?
Related occupations to compare
- Blockchain Engineers→
- Business Intelligence Analysts→
- Clinical Data Managers→
- Computer and Information Research Scientists→
- Computer and Information Systems Managers→
- Computer Network Architects→
- Computer Network Support Specialists→
- Computer Occupations, All Other→
Related through shared training-subject mappings. Entry requirements can differ substantially.
Sources and attribution
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Trade School Guides selects and organizes the material and adds explanatory guidance. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Occupation code: 15-1211.01.
Training connections: CIP 2020–SOC 2018 crosswalk. Snapshot: September 8, 2026. See the methodology.