Care coordinators play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patients receive organized, timely, and effective care. As healthcare systems expand, the care coordinator salary in 2026 is becoming a key point of interest for professionals entering this field or seeking career growth.
This article explores salary ranges, factors influencing earnings, experience-based pay, industry trends, benefits, certifications, and career advancement opportunities.
Average Care Coordinator Salary in 2026
The average care coordinator salary in 2026 is projected to range between $55,000 and $85,000 per year, depending on location, healthcare setting, and experience.
| Experience Level | Average Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $55,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $68,000 | $60,000 – $75,000 |
| Senior-Level (8+ yrs) | $85,000 | $75,000 – $95,000 |
Key Insights:
- Entry-level roles offer solid starting salaries with room for growth.
- Experienced care coordinators in specialized healthcare fields can earn significantly more.
Factors Influencing Care Coordinator Salary
Several factors affect care coordinator earnings:
- Location: Urban centers and states with high demand pay more.
- Healthcare Setting: Hospitals, specialty clinics, and private practices offer varying pay scales.
- Experience: More experienced coordinators often manage larger caseloads or specialized care programs.
- Certifications & Education: Advanced degrees and certifications like CCM (Certified Case Manager) increase earning potential.
- Skills: Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR), patient communication, and care planning boosts salary.
Salary by Experience
Experience is a major determinant in care coordinator salaries:
1. Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Responsibilities: Patient intake, scheduling, assisting senior coordinators.
- Growth Tips: Gain expertise in EHR systems and patient care protocols.
2. Mid-Level (3–7 Years)
- Average Salary: $68,000
- Responsibilities: Coordinating patient care, managing chronic disease programs, liaising with healthcare providers.
- Growth Tips: Consider CCM certification and specialized healthcare training.
3. Senior-Level (8+ Years)
- Average Salary: $85,000+
- Responsibilities: Leading care coordination teams, overseeing complex patient cases, implementing care programs.
- Growth Tips: Leadership training and advanced certifications can further increase salary.
Salary by Healthcare Setting
| Healthcare Setting | Average Salary (2026) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | $78,000 | High caseloads, specialized care units |
| Private Clinics | $65,000 | Smaller teams, focused care coordination |
| Long-Term Care Facilities | $60,000 | Geriatric and chronic care management |
| Insurance/Health Plans | $72,000 | Focus on utilization review and case management |
| Non-Profit Healthcare | $58,000 | Mission-driven, lower salaries but strong benefits |
Observation: Coordinators in hospitals and insurance-based roles typically earn more due to complex responsibilities and demand for specialized skills.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Care coordinators often enjoy comprehensive benefits packages:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans and 401(k) matching
- Paid time off, sick leave, and flexible schedules
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Performance bonuses and incentives
These benefits significantly enhance overall compensation and job satisfaction.
Job Outlook for Care Coordinators
The demand for care coordinators is expected to grow steadily through 2026:
- Demand Growth: Aging populations and chronic disease management increase the need for skilled coordinators.
- Technological Impact: Coordinators proficient in telehealth and EHR systems are highly valued.
- Remote Work Opportunities: Many health plans and administrative coordination roles allow hybrid or remote work, affecting salary and work-life balance.
Education and Certifications Impacting Salary
Education and certifications can significantly influence earnings:
- Certified Case Manager (CCM): Widely recognized, increases credibility and salary potential.
- Registered Nurse (RN) License: For clinical coordinators, often leads to higher pay.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Health Administration, or Public Health: Increases opportunities for senior roles.
- Project Management or Leadership Certifications: Useful for managing teams and programs.
Tip: Combining clinical experience with care coordination certification can increase salaries by 10–20% compared to uncertified peers.
Strategies to Maximize Care Coordinator Salary
- Pursue certifications like CCM or RN if clinically eligible.
- Gain expertise in chronic care management, case management, or specialty patient populations.
- Develop leadership and project management skills.
- Stay proficient with EHR software and telehealth platforms.
- Negotiate salaries based on experience, location, and healthcare setting.
Care Coordinator Salary vs. Related Roles
| Role | Average Salary | Comparison to Care Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Case Manager | $80,000 | Slightly higher due to broader clinical responsibilities |
| Patient Advocate | $60,000 | Lower, primarily advisory role |
| Clinical Nurse Coordinator | $85,000 | Comparable or higher, especially for RNs |
| Health Services Manager | $90,000 | Higher, managerial focus |
Insight: Care coordinators with specialized clinical skills or leadership responsibilities can match or exceed salaries in related healthcare roles.
Conclusion
The care coordinator salary in 2026 reflects a growing and rewarding career path, with average earnings ranging from $55,000 to $85,000+. Factors such as experience, certifications, location, and healthcare setting play critical roles in determining pay.