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Job outlook for clinical case managers in the United States
Clinical case manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected clinical case manager job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 64,000 new jobs for clinical case managers are projected over the next decade.
Clinical case manager salaries have increased 14% for clinical case managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 63,030 clinical case managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 137,003 active clinical case manager job openings in the US.
The average clinical case manager salary is $51,528.
Are clinical case manager jobs in demand?
Clinical case manager job and salary trends over time
Clinical case manager jobs over time
Clinical case manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63,030 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 64,366 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 64,860 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 64,137 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 61,544 | 0.02% |
Average clinical case manager salary over time
Clinical case manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,528 | $24.77 | +4.4% |
| 2024 | $49,339 | $23.72 | +4.0% |
| 2023 | $47,424 | $22.80 | +3.7% |
| 2022 | $45,743 | $21.99 | +1.3% |
| 2021 | $45,161 | $21.71 | +1.3% |
Clinical case manager jobs by state
Most common states for clinical case managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 295 | 43% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 345 | 26% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,675 | 24% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 229 | 22% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 152 | 21% |
| 6 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 638 | 18% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,262 | 17% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 142 | 16% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,079 | 15% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 613 | 15% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 158 | 15% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 146 | 15% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 92 | 15% |
| 14 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,972 | 14% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,268 | 14% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 867 | 14% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 778 | 14% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 103 | 14% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 722 | 13% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 268 | 13% |
Most common cities for clinical case managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juneau | 2 | 6% | $60,643 |
| 2 | Newark | 2 | 6% | $53,622 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $49,665 |
| 4 | Hawthorne | 2 | 2% | $68,110 |
| 5 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $42,081 |
| 6 | Rockford | 2 | 1% | $49,318 |
| 7 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $49,316 |
| 8 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $50,234 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $68,154 |
| 10 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $43,252 |
| 11 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $67,320 |
| 12 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $51,275 |
| 13 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $46,984 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $36,429 |
Clinical Case Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical case manager experts
Adelphi University
Saint Xavier University
Western Illinois University
Lewis University
Indiana University Northwest
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Elon University
University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Austin Community College
Erikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Gannon University
Tiffin University
University of New Hampshire
Cambridge College
Bay Path University
What Clinical Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Digital Literacy and Teletherapy Skills: With the continued integration of technology in mental health care, counselors will need to enhance their proficiency in digital platforms and teletherapy modalities. This includes utilizing secure video conferencing tools, managing electronic health records (EHR), and maintaining ethical standards in online therapy settings. Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness: As awareness of cultural diversity and social justice issues grows, counselors must deepen their understanding of intersectionality and cultural humility. Competence in working with diverse populations and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care will from an antiracism lens will be essential for providing inclusive and culturally responsive services. Trauma-Informed Care: Given the prevalence of trauma and its impact on mental health, counselors will need to adopt trauma-informed approaches across various settings. This includes recognizing the signs of trauma, creating safe environments for disclosure, and integrating trauma-sensitive interventions into counseling practice. Resilience-Building and Positive Psychology: In addition to addressing mental health challenges, there will be a greater emphasis on promoting resilience and well-being. Counselors will incorporate positive psychology principles, such as strengths-based interventions and mindfulness techniques, to empower clients and enhance their coping skills. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care: With the recognition of the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, counselors will collaborate more closely with other healthcare professionals in integrated care settings. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams will be essential for providing holistic and comprehensive care to clients. Data Literacy and Outcome Measurement: Increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcome measurement will require counselors to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and outcome evaluation. Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Situations: As counseling scenarios become increasingly complex, counselors will face ethical dilemmas that require nuanced decision-making. Strengthening skills in ethical reasoning, consultation, and ethical sensitivity will enable counselors to navigate challenging ethical issues with integrity and professionalism.
What will help Clinical Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Continued Learning and Development: Stay committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, pursuing advanced certifications, and staying updated on the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Supervision and Mentorship: Seek out supervision and mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals in the field. Consider participating in a peer supervision group where you can support one another and be open to constructive criticism as part of your development. Engage in regular self-reflection for personal growth. Prioritize Self-Care: Establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life, engage in activities that recharge you and help prevent burn out. Cultural Competence and Diversity: Cultivate cultural humility and strive to understand the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of your clients. Continuously educate yourself on multiculturalism and antiracism to provide competent and inclusive counseling services. Ethical Practice: Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards in your practice. Strive to Build Strong Therapeutic Relationships: Establish rapport, demonstrate empathy, and create a safe and trusting environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. Evidence-Based Practice: Stay informed about research findings and utilize interventions that have been empirically validated for specific client populations and presenting issues. Networking and Collaboration: Build professional connections within the counseling community. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in networking events to expand your professional network. Collaboration with colleagues can lead to referrals, consultation opportunities, and mutual support. Consider doing some pro bono work: Pro bono services help bridge the gap to access mental health services for individuals who cannot afford them.
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What Clinical Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: Given the complexities of the world today, emerging counseling professionals must be flexible in their treatment approach, inclusive in their understanding of diverse cultures and sub-cultures, and mature professionally through humility, self-reflection, and self-care.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Case Manager?
Kristen Toole: Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Personal and professional development are
lifelong processes that are never really finished. So, it is essential to pace yourself and establish a
foundation of healthy practices from the outset. Creating habits and routines in the beginning
with the end in mind can be a good strategy for success and sustainability.
Keep work-life balance and boundaries in mind from the start because breaking bad habits can
be tricky once established. Think about where you ultimately want to be and build toward that
future one step at a time. Also, it is okay if plans change! You never know where open-
mindedness and willingness to learn may take you.
What will help Clinical Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Kristen Toole: Post-pandemic disparities have highlighted the necessity of prioritizing mental health and the
need for more mental health providers (Fink-Samnick, 2023; Health Resources & Services
Administration, 2023). The counseling field is expected to outpace the national average for
occupational growth six-fold over the next ten years (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). There is
no question that counselors are in demand, but there are still a few strategies for new
professionals to maximize their salary potential.
A growing number of students are entering counseling graduate programs, having completed
undergraduate minors and focus areas in related fields. This is fantastic conceptually and can be
a vital strategy for enhancing their counseling work. Skill building is one way to optimize
success and salary.
Some graduate programs, like Xavier's, offer options for obtaining additional certifications along
the way to a master's degree. In Xavier's counseling program, students can choose courses that
allow them to get certificates in addiction counseling and medical trauma-informed care. For
clinical mental health counselors, this is an excellent way to demonstrate skill mastery, and for
school counselors, it provides a unique opportunity to broaden their scope of practice. Either
way, additional certifications exhibit a commitment that potential employers can appreciate.
Counselors who are well-informed about their market value and earning potential can engage in
informed offer negotiations. Additional skills are one way beginning professionals can increase
their starting salary. However, it is important to remember that total earnings include several
elements, and salary is just one piece of that puzzle.
Counselors are immensely versatile and can find work in various settings, so they need to
understand their options in addition to their earning potential. Benefits, schedule, and location
are other things that can impact the earnings bottom line and are essential to consider. Finally,
counselors must know themselves: personality, interests, work values, and abilities impact job fit
and, ultimately, work satisfaction. These are crucial considerations for mitigating compassion
fatigue (Stamm, 2010), which can limit counselors' longevity.
New professionals must research and reflect as they enter the job market. There are many things
to consider when choosing a job, and it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, various resources,
such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*Net, Glassdoor, and Monster, offer
indispensable tools and information to job seekers.
What will help Clinical Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Specialist in School Psychology and Clinical/ Community Mental Health Graduate ProgramsWestern Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What Clinical Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Case Manager?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What will help Clinical Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - I think skills in using and being familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) will be important in our field now and in the upcoming five years. The capabilities of the open AI sources has exponentially grown smarter in just the past year. The tools accessible are revolutionizing the way people write reports, generate recommendations, capture clinical notes, and even summarize and synthesize information. It is technology that we must learn to understand after the point of graduate training where we can apply our professional decision-making skills and theoretical knowledge to the information input/output of this great technology.
Dion Porter Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Department Chair Coordinator-Online Educational Specialist ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Clinical Case Manager?
Dion Porter Ph.D.: Strong counseling and empathy skills of course are important, but also one must possess strong interpersonal skills that will assist them in relating and collaborating well with other people. It is very important that one possess the right personality as well as character in order for them to become an effective and competent counselor. They also need to have strong multicultural counseling skills in order to effectively and efficiently counsel persons from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. Finally, one must possess the skills associated with professionalism related to their personal mannerisms, speech and communication, dress and interpersonal awareness. Of course for anyone to be competitive in this day and age, they will need to be well versed and trained in the specific technology and social-media tools needed to effectively perform the proper functions of their job.
Lisa Brown
Assistant ProfessorLewis University
School Counseling Program
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Case Managers?
Lisa Brown: Because of the prevalence of social/emotional issues within K-12, especially in the last few years, school counselors need to have assessment skills. School counselors need to identify any red flags in their students that may indicate the student is struggling. This goes beyond academics and includes aspects such as interpersonal skills and self-worth.
Similar to assessment is data analysis. The gathering of data does not stop after a student is assessed but rather is just beginning. School counselors are held accountable to demonstrate the interventions they are utilizing are working. Data is also used to secure future funds. If an intervention used within the fall resulted in little change, a school district might not allocate funds to continue to use the same program. School counselors utilize data to demonstrate how effective they are and advocate for additional resources to address social/emotional issues within their student body.
As we learned during COVID-19, school counselors need to be tech-savvy. Many students are still learning remotely or are utilizing a hybrid format. While this has been quite helpful for some students, others are falling through the cracks. School counselors have had to get creative in checking in with their students and are doing so through technology.
Linda Galocy
Director and Assistant Dean, Clinical Associate ProfessorIndiana University Northwest
Health Information Management Programs
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Case Managers?
Linda Galocy: Technical skills are dependent on the job, but working with multiple types of software at one time is very common in the health information profession. Patient records are electronic. Therefore, the ability to learn and adapt to electronic health record systems is a must. In addition, supportive software is typically used in order to get the work done, such as an encoder, which allows a medical coder to assign codes to a patient record, a release of information system that is utilized for tracking requests for patient records from the time the request is received until it is complete. The ability for
+a health information professional to understand an entire process, such as the revenue cycle. There are many individuals involved in the process of obtaining payment for healthcare services rendered, and it is important for everyone to do their job, do it correctly, and when errors occur, work together to correct those errors.
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Center for GerontologyVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Department of Human Development and Family
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Case Managers?
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.: Possibly. Surely there is an impact on the ability of some students to be hired post-graduation. Some students who had positions lined up in the early spring found themselves without a position due to companies/academia/government halting hiring and work. This circumstance has the unfortunate effect of delaying graduates' entry into the job market and of putting them in competition with students who will be entering the job market in 2020. Students who have interests in fields that have a direct, as well as the indirect relationship to healthcare and public health, could find that their skills are in high demand, now and post-COVID.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What skills stand out on Clinical Case Manager resumes?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on Counselor resumes include multilingual, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
What soft skills should all Clinical Case Managers possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Case Managers?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What skills will help Clinical Case Managers earn the most?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include teletherapy and trauma-informed care.
What skills will help Clinical Case Managers earn the most?
Monica Burney: Professionals who have additional certifications, including any technology, language, or clinical training certifications, can sometimes negotiate higher salaries depending on if the agency they are applying to have a unique need for those services. Also, professionals with proven fundraising and/or grant writing experience may have opportunities in non-traditional roles or settings that offer higher salaries.
What soft skills should all Clinical Case Managers possess?
Monica Burney: Skilled Human Services professionals demonstrate strong self-awareness and are quick to reflect on how their interactions affect others. They also establish rapport well, ask open-ended questions, and frame conversations with verbal and non-verbal techniques that make people feel comfortable in communication. They are often great collaborators who assess and navigate team dynamics well.
Isaac Karikari Ph.D.
MSW Program Director, Chemical Dependency Minor, Assistant ProfessorUniversity of North Dakota
Department of Social Work
What soft skills should all Clinical Case Managers possess?
Isaac Karikari Ph.D.: By default, social work practice is integrative. The levels of practice, broadly speaking, the micro-and macro-levels, intersect in ways that may not always be apparent. The capacity for critical and analytical thinking in identifying the nuances, seeing how these levels intersect, and understanding the implications for clients is essential for effective practice.
Relatedly, social work practice involves working with a diverse array of people across different systems and levels. A social worker needs to be able to navigate these systems. Systems thinking and the person-in-environment perspective are relevant.
Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential in helping one build and make the needed connections. These skills apply across the micro and macro levels.
The capacity to work collaboratively and with interdisciplinary teams is important. Other skills include genuinely demonstrating respect, empathy, reliability, integrity, and adaptability. Forbearance and emotional intelligence are often understated.
Social workers also need to have grit. Achieving and maintaining successful outcomes can be challenging.
Joel Hektner Ph.D.
Professor and Department HeadNorth Dakota State University
Human Development and Family Science
What soft skills should all Clinical Case Managers possess?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: Interpersonal skills, communication, ability to work collaboratively. Respect for individual and cultural differences.
What skills will help Clinical Case Managers earn the most?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: The ability to adapt your skills to the context you are in.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Case Managers?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.
Associate Professor,DirectorErikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Social Work Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Case Managers?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Social workers are in high demand due to the amount of stress people are under. This is a time when many counselors are at their height of services. We are seeing legislation that is supporting loan forgiveness and loan repayment that may support more individuals coming into the field.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Clinical Case Managers?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Within the state of Illinois, having a LSW (licensed social worker) credential will open up many doors for new graduates. However, obtaining a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) credential provides many more opportunities, as well as options to open up private practices when coupled with experience and expertise.
What will help Clinical Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Being licensed and receiving training in trauma-informed social work as well as telehealth services will promote great potential for earning. Many clients may continue to enjoy the convenience of telehealth services, especially those in areas where transportation to clinics is cost prohibitive. Individuals who have knowledge in child development and anti-oppressive social work practice will also find a wealth of opportunities in today's climate due to the trauma experienced by children, adolescents, and adults with the double pandemics of Covid-19 and racial reckoning.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Case Managers?
Parris Baker: Yes! The effects of the pandemic are presently incalculable. However, I believe there are several areas that will directly affected:
-Mental health will become a major focal point in education, employment, and worker stability.
-Interpersonal relationships have been redefined and family reconfigured. I am unsure of the long-term effects, but short-term effects are increased anxiety, impulsivity, and heightened sense of malaise. I hope people have learned to not postpone the pursuit of happiness and to live life fully.
What's a day at work look like for a Clinical Case Manager?
Parris Baker: -People have learned to work from home and in their pajamas.
-Shorter work weeks - 4 day/10-hour work week will become the new normal
-Greater use of internet capabilities.
What will help Clinical Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Parris Baker: Social Work - social work students should receive graduate education and training in clinical social work and learn indigenous healing therapies. Specialization with adolescents/young adults and geriatrics. Attaining licensure in social
Mortuary Science - students who acquire knowledge of indigenous death care customs will increase their customer base and the relationships with diverse communities. This will ultimately translate into greater profits long term. The funeral home industry is changing rapidly. More people are opting for cremations rather than traditional burials (partially related to COVID-19). Green burials (also referred to as natural burial) are becoming more popular with millennials. The body is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault.
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Counseling & Criminal JusticeTiffin University
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Clinical Case Managers?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: Clinical practice license/certifications are often critical for marketability and employment. At Tiffin University we provide a training track for Psychology students to get a Chemical Dependency License to practice with an undergraduate degree. There is a nationwide shortage for licensed addiction specialists. The demand for licensed counselors in this area has increased greater than the supply.
These students are very often among the first of our graduates to get hired. Opportunities are only increasing as the The American Rescue Plan Act will provide $4 billion for substance use disorder and mental health services.
We also provide close advising and assist students to attend graduate school to obtain additional clinical licenses in the fields of psychology, counseling and social work.
What's a good job out of college for Clinical Case Managers?
Summer Cook Ph.D.: Perhaps any job within the field of Kinesiology would be a good start. Students need a variety of experiences and if they missed out on normal shadowing or internship opportunities during the pandemic, any opportunity will allow them to determine what they like and don't like about certain careers. Telehealth in Exercise Science is new and a lot more opportunities in that area could be interesting.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Clinical Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Joseph Vedora: The need for people to work from home or provide telehealth services to clients, which is obviously different from services delivered in person.
Suzanne Gile
Adjunct professorBay Path University
Clinical mental health counseling, developmental psychology
How have salaries changed over time for Clinical Case Managers?
Suzanne Gile: I am not sure of the actual percentage change but in my observation salaries have increased significantly. When I entered the field in 1999, I was making $29,000. Clinicians entering the field currently are starting around $45,000. I personally have seen an increase in insurance rate reimbursements over the past 2 years. Aetna used to reimburse $60 per individual therapy session a few years ago but recently made another increase and is reimbursing $111.22 per 60-minute therapy session. Other insurance companies have also increased reimbursement rates.