Case Manager Salary: Your 2024 Guide

As a case manager, your potential salary depends on several factors, including your level of experience, the location in which you live, and your area of specialization. Case managers perform various duties to promote good client outcomes. Learn more about what it's like to be a case manager and the salary this position typically brings based on various factors.

What does a case manager do?

As a case manager, you’ll work with people of all ages and backgrounds who need special health services. You may work with several clients at any given time. 

You may work with discharged patients to ensure they continue receiving the necessary care. You must also keep accurate records and monitor your clients.

A case manager’s essential duty is to meet with clients and their families to discuss the services they might need and develop a need-based care plan. You’ll also meet with clients to evaluate their progress and make necessary adjustments. 

How much does a case manager make? 

According to various salary and job sites, the average annual salary for a case manager ranges from $43,118 to $50,819. More specifically, consider the average salary figures from the following sources based on all levels of experience, location, and industry:

What is the most a case manager can make?

While your top salary will depend on various factors, such as your years of experience, location, and the organization you work for, Glassdoor reports the highest salary for case managers of all experience levels as $66,000 per year [1]. Case managers with 15 or more years of experience report the highest salary of $84,000 annually [1].

Factors that affect a case manager's salary

As a case manager, a variety of factors will influence your potential salary. These can include your years of experience, location, and specialization.

Experience

Typically, your salary increases as you gain more experience. According to Glassdoor, the average annual case worker's salary in the US based on years of experience is as follows [1]:

• 0–1 year: $45,250

• 1–3 years: $47,142

• 4–6 years: $48,994

• 7–9 years: $50,351

• 10–14 years: $52,611

• 15 or more years: $56,475 

Location

Large metropolitan areas typically contain cities that pay the highest annual salary for case managers. They include:

• New York City: $51,854

• Philadelphia: $49,977

• Los Angeles: $51,961

• Houston: $45,100

• Atlanta: $44,862

• Chicago: $48,048

*All salary figures are sourced from Glassdoor as of June 2024.

Specialization

Case managers can specialize in various aspects of health care, such as home health care, developmental disabilities, pediatrics, and substance abuse. A case manager specializing in hospice care can increase earnings by 46 percent, and a rehabilitation case manager can increase earnings by 50 percent, according to Payscale [2]. Working in home health care can increase your salary by 35 percent, and acute care case managers earn 54 percent over the average rate [2].

1. Medical case manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $70,752 [8]

Medical case managers typically work in hospitals with patients suffering from chronic medical issues. A medical case manager may schedule appointments and perform various administrative duties. 

Medical case managers don’t treat patients. Instead, they act as liaisons to ensure the patient receives proper care.

2. Social work case manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $73,307 [9]

Social work case managers might work in a hospital, mental health clinic, or hospice care. Some also work in prisons, schools, and homeless shelters.

As a social work case manager, you’ll help clients overcome barriers preventing them from reaching their goals. This might include vocational rehabilitation or overcoming social issues.

3. Nurse case manager

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $100,949 [10]

A nurse case manager differs from a medical case manager. A nurse case manager is an RN who typically works in a hospital or other health care setting. A nurse case manager can also specialize in working with a specific population, such as the elderly or children. 

Read more: Nurse Case Manager: What They Do and How to Become One

Where do case managers work?

Many case managers work in hospitals and home health agencies, but some also work for health insurance companies. In this role, you can also work for demographic-specific organizations, such as veterans or pediatric hospitals. 

As a hospice case manager, your duties might include visiting clients’ homes. The type of case manager depends on the setting. 

How do I qualify to become a case manager?

You usually need at least a bachelor’s degree to become a case manager. You might pursue a bachelor's in nursing, health care administration, social work, psychology, or sociology, but the type of degree can vary. You may want to consider a master’s degree if you’d like to specialize in a specific area, but being a case manager is not required. 

Do I need a certification to practice as a case manager?

Certification and licensing requirements vary from state to state. If your state requires one for licensure, the American Case Management Association (ACMA) offers certification exams.

Read more: Health Care Management Degrees: How to Pick the One For You

Professional development 

You can choose from several options to advance your case manager career, including certifications, certificate programs, and licensing. 

Some licensing options include the following:

• Registered Nurse 

• Licensed Practical Nurse

• Licensed clinical social worker

• Marriage and family therapy certification 

Several certifications are available for case managers. Some common certifications include first aid and CPR, which are often job requirements. Certification programs for potential career advancement include: 

• Case management certification

• Board-certified registered nurse

• Basic life support certification

Certificate programs can increase your professional development and help you gain more skills and knowledge. Certificate programs can also enhance your resume when seeking an internship or a case manager role. 

You can also pursue a master’s degree in case management. Some schools offer online degree programs so you can study around your work schedule. Online programs typically have part-time and full-time study options, and classes can be synchronous or asynchronous. 

Read more: 10 Best Paying Jobs in Health Care

Explore case management on Coursera

Case management can be a rewarding career if you enjoy working with people who need assistance with chronic illnesses, rehabilitation, or end-of-life issues. Want to build case management skills?

If you’re considering a career in case management but aren’t ready to commit to a bachelor’s degree program or aren’t sure if it’s right for you, John Hopkins University’s Understanding and Strengthening Health Systems course can help you get introduced to health systems. 

Columbia University’s Introduction to Care Management is another introductory course to consider. It’s a 12-hour online training session using case scenarios.