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What is a case manager/program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.
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The average case manager/program manager salary is $39,410. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an psychology major. It usually takes 6-12 months of experience to become a case manager/program manager. Case manager/program managers with a Certified Case Manager (ACM) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 52,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What's a day at work look like for a case manager/program manager?

Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D.Sabrina Sullenberger Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Belmont University

I think a "good job" out of college is going to be different for different people. But when I think about this in general, I think a good job (especially in social work) is one that allows you to do work that is meaningful, that allows you to use your skills and education, and that gives you a vision for how you might continue to grow as a person and professional. And, it is one that allows you to pay your bills and have some balance (fun, leisure) in your life.
ScoreCase Manager/Program ManagerUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,410

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.61%

Asian 6.64%

Black or African American 11.48%

Hispanic or Latino 18.96%

Unknown 4.66%

White 56.65%

Gender

female 76.09%

male 23.91%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Case manager/program manager career paths

Key steps to become a case manager/program manager

  1. Explore case manager/program manager education requirements

    Most common case manager/program manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.1 %

    Master's

    18.5 %

    Associate

    12.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific case manager/program manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Social Work20.39%
    Foster Care6.91%
    Substance Abuse6.41%
    Crisis Intervention5.69%
    Patients5.46%
  3. Complete relevant case manager/program manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New case manager/program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a case manager/program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real case manager/program manager resumes.
  4. Research case manager/program manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) during their hospitalization and their discharge follow-up care.
    • Maintain paper and electronic (HMIS) files with documentation of all contacts.
    • Monitor the filing, maintenance, record keeping, and data integrity of HMIS database.
    • Case management of patients w/ co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions.
  5. Prepare your case manager/program manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your case manager/program manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a case manager/program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable case manager/program manager resume templates

    Build a professional case manager/program manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your case manager/program manager resume.
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
    Case Manager/Program Manager Resume
  6. Apply for case manager/program manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a case manager/program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first case manager/program manager job

Zippi

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Average case manager/program manager salary

The average case manager/program manager salary in the United States is $39,410 per year or $19 per hour. Case manager/program manager salaries range between $32,000 and $48,000 per year.

Average case manager/program manager salary
$39,410 Yearly
$18.95 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do case manager/program managers rate their job?

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Case manager/program manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

Helping others

Cons

Getting approval and watching families go through their proceed with difficulties


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Helping people be successful in life.

Cons

Secondary trauma and balancing administrative work with direct services.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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