How Much Do Nurse Care Coordinators Make?
Several factors can influence nurse care coordinator salaries, including experience, workplace, education level, and geographic location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not specify salaries for nurse care coordinators, but an overview of other salary-reporting sources claims they make about the same as any other registered nurse (RN), which is more than the average U.S. salary. This guide will walk any prospective nurse care coordinator through the details of pay across all variables and offer advice on how to maximize earning potential in this field.
Just the Highlights: Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries
Nurse care coordinators can earn the highest average annual salaries in these roles and locations:
California
$137,690
San Francisco, CA
$174,370
Outpatient Care Centers
$102,640
How Much Do Nurse Care Coordinators Make?
In the U.S., nurse care coordinators make an average of $45.42 per hour, according to the BLS. This rate equals approximately $94,480 per year, which puts nurse care coordinator salaries well above average.
Nurse care coordinator compensation depends on several variables, which will be detailed below.
Nurse care coordinator average annual salary
$94,480
Nurse care coordinator average hourly wage
$45.42
Some nurse care coordinators may work 12-hour shifts, especially if they work for a large health system or hospital. During “normal working hours,” they earn their base salary. Any hours worked in the evening, night, or weekend come with an hourly pay increase. Hospitals may also offer extra shifts with bonuses attached.
According to the BLS, nurse care coordinators can make an average of $63,720 in the lower salary range, while the higher-end averages are closer to $132,680.
Source: BLS
How Education Affects Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries
All nurse care coordinators must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning 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 their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), after which they become RNs. Some nurse care coordinators choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, but it is not generally required for this position.
| Degree | Annual Average Salary |
| MSN | $124,680 |
| BSN | $92,000 |
Source: Nursing World
How Specialty Certification Affects Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries
Nurse care coordinators can earn specialty certifications through the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), which offers their Certified in Care Coordination & Transition Management (CMSRN) credential. Any nursing certification proves expertise in that specialty and can lead to higher compensation.
Location and Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries
As with most professional salaries, cost-of-living differences can make employment location a major factor in pay expectations.
Top-Paying Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries by State
In general, the coasts pay nurse care coordinators the highest, while the Southeastern states pay the lowest.
| California | $137,690 |
| Hawaii | $119,710 |
| Oregon | $113,440 |
| Washington | $111,030 |
| Alaska | $109,210 |
| Massachusetts | $108,850 |
| New York | $106,620 |
| Washington, D.C. | $102,686 |
| New Jersey | $101,960 |
| Connecticut | $101,840 |
| Nevada | $97,700 |
| Rhode Island | $95,070 |
| Minnesota | $94,830 |
| Delaware | $94,670 |
| New Mexico | $92,140 |
| Maryland | $92,090 |
| Colorado | $91,730 |
| Arizona | $91,430 |
| Texas | $90,210 |
| Georgia | $90,000 |
| New Hampshire | $89,410 |
| Vermont | $88,380 |
| Virginia | $88,350 |
| Illinois | $87,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,530 |
| Wisconsin | $87,220 |
| Michigan | $86,210 |
| Florida | $84,760 |
| Ohio | $84,430 |
| Maine | $84,340 |
| Wyoming | $83,990 |
| Utah | $83,100 |
| Idaho | $83,090 |
| Montana | $82,950 |
| Indiana | $82,700 |
| North Carolina | $82,530 |
| Oklahoma | $82,110 |
| Kentucky | $81,770 |
| South Carolina | $81,390 |
| Louisiana | $80,760 |
| Nebraska | $79,780 |
| North Dakota | $79,190 |
| Tennessee | $78,240 |
| Missouri | $77,590 |
| Kansas | $76,240 |
| West Virginia | $75,990 |
| Mississippi | $75,510 |
| Iowa | $74,610 |
| Arkansas | $72,900 |
| Alabama | $71,370 |
| South Dakota | $69,030 |
Source: BLS
Top-Paying Nurse Care Coordinator 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 nurse care coordinators work for a large teaching hospital in a city of millions, they will probably earn more than those who work with a small private office in a rural area.
| Metropolitan area | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $83.83 | $174,370 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $82.51 | $171,620 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $82.11 | $170,780 |
| Napa, CA | $79.89 | $166,180 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $74.28 | $154,510 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $73.52 | $152,930 |
| Modesto, CA | $69.80 | $145,190 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $67.73 | $140,880 |
| San Luis Obispo--Paso Robles--Arroyo Grande, CA | $67.58 | $140,560 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $66.55 | $138,420 |
Source: BLS
Workplace Type and Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries
Compensation for nurse care coordinators can also vary based on the work environment. For many nurse care coordinators, general medical and surgical hospitals and outpatient care centers pay the highest.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $46.55 | $96,830 |
| Home Health Care Services | $42.03 | $87,430 |
| Offices of Physicians | $39.96 | $83,110 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $49.35 | $102,640 |
Source: BLS
How Fast Can a Nurse Care Coordinator’s Salary Grow?
A nurse care coordinator’s salary can grow fast, depending on professional development. In specific workplaces, management offers incentives to get certifications, lead or participate in committees, and get on a management track.
Pay also rises with each year of experience. Most medical facilities offer an hourly rate or annual salary to new hires 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 Nurse Care Coordinator
Nurse care coordinators 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 nurse care coordinators with a BSN, obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will typically increase earning potential.
2. Try a New Location
Compensation for nurse care coordinators 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, nurse care coordinators 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 nurse care coordinator’s salary to their satisfaction, a new workplace might offer higher pay.
Nurse Care Coordinator Salaries FAQs
1. What role offers the highest pay for nurse care coordinators?
The highest-paid nurse care coordinators are those working in Outpatient Care Centers, who make an average of $102,640 a year, or $49.35 per hour.
2. What do nurse care coordinators make per hour?
Nurse care coordinators make an average of $45.42 an hour. This can increase or decrease based on experience, location, role, and education.
3. Which state and city pay nurse care coordinators the best?
According to the BLS, California offers the highest pay for all RNs at $66.20 per hour, or $137,690 a year. San Francisco, CA, boasts the highest salaries at $83.83 per hour ($174,370 per year).
4. How can nurse care coordinators get paid more?
Nurse care coordinators 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 nurse care coordinators the highest pay?
To become a nurse care coordinator, candidates must earn a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. For those who wish to earn higher pay, an MSN degree will generally increase a nurse care coordinator’s salary.
