How Much Do Managed Care Nurses Make?

Several factors can influence managed care nurse salaries, including experience, workplace, education level, and geographic location. Managed care nurses earn about the same as social and community service managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This guide will walk any future managed care nurse through the details of pay across all variables and offer advice on how to maximize earning potential in this field.

Just the Highlights: Managed Care Nurse Salaries

Managed care nurses can earn the highest average annual salaries in these roles and locations:

How Much Do Managed Care Nurses Make?

In the U.S., managed care nurses make an average of $40.10 per hour, according to the BLS. This rate equals approximately $83,400 per year, which puts managed care nurse salaries well above average.

Managed care nurse compensation depends on several variables, which will be detailed below.

According to the BLS, managed care nurses can make an average of $48,880 in the lower salary range, while the higher-end averages are closer to $127,550.

How Education Affects Managed Care Nurse Salaries

All managed care nurses must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes four years. Some nursing programs can be completed in as little as 12 months through an accelerated option, which requires previously earned prerequisites. With either education path, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), after which they become RNs.

When nurses graduate with an ADN and pass the NCLEX, they receive an RN designation, similar to a nurse who achieves a BSN. However, managed care nurses with a BSN will receive higher pay than those with an ADN, and some employers require their nurses to have a BSN degree.

How Specialty Certification Affects Managed Care Nurse Salaries

Managed care nurses can earn specialty certifications through the American Association of Managed Care Nurses (AAMCN), which offers the Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN) designation. Any nursing certification proves expertise in that specialty and can lead to higher compensation.

Location and Managed Care Nurse Salaries

As with most professional salaries, cost-of-living differences can make employment location a major factor in pay expectations.

Top-Paying Managed Care Nurse Salaries by State

In general, the coasts offer the highest pay for managed care nurses, while the Southeastern states offer the lowest.

Top-Paying Managed Care Nurse Salaries by City

The cost of living differs by state and population density. More people populate cities than rural areas, and their cost of living and salaries are typically higher. For example, if managed care nurses work for a large teaching hospital in a city of millions, they will probably earn more than those who work with a small non-profit in a rural area.

Workplace Type and Managed Care Nurse Salaries

Managed care nurse compensation can also vary based on the work environment. For many managed care nurses, government jobs and hospital positions pay the highest.

How Fast Can a Managed Care Nurse’s Salary Grow?

A managed care nurse’s salary can grow fast, depending on professional development. In certain workplaces, management offers incentives to get certifications, lead or take part in committees, and get on a management track.

Pay also rises with each year of experience. Most medical facilities offer new hires an hourly rate based on years of experience. So, even if a nurse changes positions or facilities, their pay should remain the same if the facilities are comparable.

How to Increase Your Earnings as a Managed Care Nurse

Managed care nurses can increase their salary in many ways. As discussed above, compensation directly correlates to location, workplace type, and level of education, and these factors can lead to a higher salary.

1. Earn a Higher Degree

For managed care nurses with an ADN, many universities offer bridge programs to obtain a BSN, which typically increases earning potential.

2. Try a New Location

Compensation for managed care nurses often depends on location, and a move to a new city can come with a higher salary. Keep in mind, though, that with a higher salary may also come a higher cost of living.

3. Earn Certification

By earning a specialty certification, managed care nurses can prove their worth and become even more valuable to their employers, allowing them to leverage their expertise for higher pay.

4. Transfer to a New Work Setting

If a current work setting cannot increase a managed care nurse’s salary to their satisfaction, a new workplace might offer higher pay.

Managed Care Nurse Salaries FAQs

   1. What role offers the highest pay for managed care nurses?

The highest-paid managed care nurses are those working in the Federal, State, and Local Government (OEWS Designation), who make an average of $124,900 a year, or $60.05 per hour.

   2. What do managed care nurses make per hour?

Managed care nurses make an average of $40.10 an hour. This can increase or decrease based on experience, location, role, and education.

   3. Which state and city pay managed care nurses the best?

According to the BLS, Washington, D.C. offers the highest pay for all RNs at $51.32 per hour, or $106,750 a year. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, boasts the highest salaries at $51.38 per hour ($106,860 per year).

   4. How can managed care nurses get paid more?

Managed care nurses can earn higher degrees, try a new location, earn specialty certification, or transfer to a new work environment, all of which could potentially increase pay.

   5. Which degree gives managed care nurses the highest pay?

To become a managed care nurse, candidates must earn a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Of the two, a BSN typically offers the highest pay for managed care nurses.