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Job outlook for lead care managers in the United States
Lead care manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected lead care manager job growth rate is 28% from 2018-2028.
About 136,200 new jobs for lead care managers are projected over the next decade.
Lead care manager salaries have increased 8% for lead care managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 25,364 lead care managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 87,167 active lead care manager job openings in the US.
The average lead care manager salary is $38,192.
Are lead care manager jobs in demand?
Lead care manager job and salary trends over time
Lead care manager jobs over time
Lead care manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 25,364 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 23,510 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 23,105 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 21,830 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,351 | 0.01% |
Average lead care manager salary over time
Lead care manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $38,192 | $18.36 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $36,983 | $17.78 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $36,525 | $17.56 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $36,020 | $17.32 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $35,357 | $17.00 | +2.2% |
Lead care manager jobs by state
Most common states for lead care managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 329 | 31% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 264 | 30% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 189 | 27% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 465 | 24% |
| 5 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 411 | 24% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 475 | 23% |
| 7 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 664 | 22% |
| 8 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 631 | 22% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 252 | 19% |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 717 | 18% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 246 | 18% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 172 | 18% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 134 | 18% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 130 | 18% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 940 | 17% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 539 | 17% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,607 | 16% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 974 | 16% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 97 | 16% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,033 | 15% |
Most common cities for lead care managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Altos | 2 | 7% | $51,436 |
| 2 | Cerritos | 2 | 4% | $45,747 |
| 3 | Portland | 2 | 3% | $42,883 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $48,636 |
| 5 | Bangor | 1 | 3% | $38,281 |
| 6 | Hilliard | 1 | 3% | $34,739 |
| 7 | Carmichael | 1 | 2% | $47,313 |
| 8 | Covina | 1 | 2% | $45,624 |
| 9 | Charlotte | 5 | 1% | $32,298 |
| 10 | Alameda | 1 | 1% | $51,075 |
| 11 | Fishers | 1 | 1% | $40,360 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $46,256 |
| 13 | San Jose | 4 | 0% | $51,074 |
| 14 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $47,775 |
| 15 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $44,450 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $51,373 |
Lead Care Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of lead care manager experts
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Aurora University
Morgan State University
Molloy College
Indiana University Northwest
Rutgers University - Camden
Saginaw Valley State University
Angelo State University
Idaho State University
Cedar Crest College
Illinois Wesleyan University
Missouri Baptist University
Eastern Michigan University
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE
Assistant ProfessorTexas A&M University - Central Texas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Lead Care Manager?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: Nursing is difficult both physically and emotionally, but it is rewarding. Entry nurses may feel overwhelmed when they first enter the nursing field. I recommend you seek out a mentor and follow up with that person often. Texas Nursing Association (TNA) offers a mentoring program, I recommend you join that organization to help support you as you enter the nursing field. You will have good and bad days when you first begin your career. Having support in the unit you work in is important and usually, the organization has an internship program. You will have a direct impact on people's lives at the worst time in their lives. If someone is stressed, they may take that out on you but do not take it personally.
There are so many different avenues for entry-level nurses. If you don't want to work in the hospital setting, you can go into community health, clinics, outpatient rehab, home health, school nursing, informatics, and more. The flexibility offered in nursing is phenomenal. Your patients may not remember your name, but they will remember how you made them feel. Your impact on patient's lives is limitless. Nurses are present from birth to death and everything in between.
What Lead Care Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: Soft skills are extremely important in healthcare and employers are requiring a nurse force that can meet these expectations. The ability to talk to your patients and show empathy is vitally important. Working on nonverbal communication and making someone feel heard is extremely important. You will never know everything, but if you talk to your patients and convey a caring attitude, then you will be an effective nurse.
The ability to use electronic devices is important in the nursing field and may be a specialty available to experienced nurses (Informatic Nursing). Most areas in healthcare have electronic documentation and use multiple devices for patient care from a handheld device to a computer. The ability to set up devices that link to electronic health records is part of nursing care today.
What will help Lead Care Managers increase their earning potential?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: The nursing shortage is an ongoing issue. As the number of nurses decreases, the pay scale increases. Having a varied background in nursing care makes you more marketable. Know your worth by researching what nurses make in different fields and then voice your pay expectations. Advancement is possible in many areas of nursing care. The hospital setting is usually the highest paying employer, as that is where a large percentage of nurses are needed. Having a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for ongoing advancement. Choosing a specialty (ICU, OR, ED, Cath lab, etc.) area in nursing will also increase your salary potential. Taking advantage of any certifications will also increase your salary and marketability.
Christina Cicero
BSN Program Chair & Assistant Professor of NursingAurora University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Lead Care Manager?
Christina Cicero: Utilize your resources and ask for help. The seasoned nurses, managers and educators are there to support you, but you need to be willing to accept the feedback.
What Lead Care Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christina Cicero: Communication skills and the willingness to be a life-long learner because we are continuing to see the advancements and changes in healthcare and in nursing education.
Samantha Hickson
Professor of Practice, Morgan State University Department of NursingMorgan State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Lead Care Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Samantha Hickson: Be open to the endless possibilities and always remain look for opportunities to learn.
Learning does not end with nursing school. In fact, nursing school is only the beginning
of a career of lifelong learning. Therefore, as a new graduate nurse it is easy to quickly
feel like you do not know enough. Be willing to ask for help, learn, research, take your
time, and lean on others for support. The world of nursing has no boundaries and there
will always be something new to learn and add to your repertoire.
What will help Lead Care Managers increase their earning potential?
Samantha Hickson: Critical thinking is probably the most important skill that has become more prevalent in
nursing and will continue to be important in the next 3-5 years. Being a nurse requires
you to think about things in ways that you never would have before. Nothing about
nursing is task oriented, and as we shift more into a health care system that is more about
preventative care, health care professionals are relying heavily on nurses and the skillsets
we bring as we remain at the forefront of patient care. You have to be confident in your
knowledge and able to critically think through situations as nursing is coming with more
and more autonomy. Steadily, clinicians and other health care providers are seeing
exactly how valuable our wealth of knowledge is, and as nurses, we have a responsibility
to bring our voices to the table in a way that places our expertise at the forefront.
Rose Schecter PhD, RN
Associate Dean: Undergraduate Nursing & Nursing Administrative AffairsMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Lead Care Manager?
Rose Schecter PhD, RN: New graduates should be open to the opportunities that present that are sought after AND those that just present themselves. Graduates should welcome offers of interviews in areas of nursing that perhaps were not first choices. New graduates should take part in continuing education courses if available to increase their skill set even before starting their first professional job. For example EKG testing and phlebotomy are skills one can learn prior to first positions. They will enhance the new graduate's resume.
What Lead Care Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rose Schecter PhD, RN: New graduate will definitely be expected to have skill and comfort using computers and other technology. New graduates will also be expected to work collaboratively with other professionals. The graduates' interpersonal skills are also critical. The future is evolving and being prepared to work collaboratively, with other professionals, to care for and educate patients is where the future lies. Use of AI for diagnostic as well as treatment is likely to accelerate. Being able to utilize as well as critically evaluate will also be important.
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN
Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/CoachWhat general advice would you give to a Lead Care Manager?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: A few ways to maximize earning potential as a new graduate nurse is through skillful negotiations and previous experience in healthcare, such as degree level, nurse externships, phlebotomy skills, or certifications. Many, if not all, employers appreciate that new graduates are equipped with clinical skills that are strongly recommended for the practice area. While many nurse certifications require experience, some are for entry-level, such as advanced life support (ACLS and PALS) and IV insertion. There are also some specialty practice certifications that new grads can obtain without years of experience; although they may recommend the experience at times, this is optional. All of this demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the profession and interest. Other ways are to work overtime hours, learn about clinical career ladders, or continue formal education.
What will help Lead Care Managers increase their earning potential?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: Changes to healthcare and its delivery are unfolding more vastly. Along with a solid clinical background, nurses will need to continue the development of soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and leadership, to name a few. Nurses must also maintain their spirit of inquiry through knowledge acquisition. With the shift toward increasing nurse community health services and an increase in the complexities of patient physical and mental health, nurses must continue to educate themselves beyond an employer-required competency level. Nurses are at the forefront of clinical practice, leading the workforce as integral members engaged in the overall health and wellness of the community.
Linda Galocy
Director and Assistant Dean, Clinical Associate ProfessorIndiana University Northwest
Health Information Management Programs
What soft skills should all Lead Care Managers possess?
Linda Galocy: Writing skills, communication, organization, the ability to multi-task, critical thinking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Lead Care 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.
What skills stand out on Lead Care Manager resumes?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: Some skills that stand out to nurse managers include prior employment as a nursing assistant or patient care technician. Since nursing assistants work so closely with the nursing staff, it is a perfect opportunity to explore what takes place and gain invaluable experience and learned skills. These candidates will have work experience to offer a potential employer in combination with a degree, while many other potential candidates will only have their degree. Employers like to maintain their quality employees, so If a candidate can demonstrate outstanding work ethic as a nursing assistant, they will likely be offered a position as a nurse upon completion of their degree.
Prior work in customer service, such as bartending or waitstaff, is also important because these employees typically have experience with personal interactions, an essential component of the nursing profession. Working as or being a caregiver or companion is also beneficial because it involves compassion and dedication to assisting others, which is also necessary for success in the nursing profession.
Because nurses are the "face" of the facility they work for, excellent communication skills are essential. During the interview process, nursing graduates must communicate a passion for the profession and be engaged in the conversation while maintaining eye contact and conveying a positive and caring attitude and a professional demeanor.
What soft skills should all Lead Care Managers possess?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: Nursing is a complex profession that requires continuous interaction with a variety of individuals in a high-stress environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased nurses' psychological distress, which could leave the U.S. with an unstable nurse workforce in years to come.
Priority consideration must be given to the psychosocial needs of nurses, as preparing nurses to persevere through adversities is essential for maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional health throughout their careers. We need skilled, caring, competent nurses who can cope with the physical and psychological demands of the nursing profession. Resilience is a core value and fundamental theme that must be addressed in the nursing workforce. Research demonstrates that there is a correlation between a healthcare professional's resilience and well-being in the workplace. Access to or engagement with social resources can activate self-care and resilient attributes, and resilience training can positively impact nurse stress, mindfulness, and resilience. Resilient nurses can better manage their response to stress and adversity, which will contribute to patient safety and promote positive patient outcomes.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Lead Care Managers?
Dr. Catherine Stubin Ph.D.: Nursing is a complex profession that requires continuous interaction with a variety of individuals in a high-stress environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased nurses' psychological distress, which could leave the U.S. with an unstable nurse workforce in years to come.
Priority consideration must be given to the psychosocial needs of nurses, as preparing nurses to persevere through adversities is essential for maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional health throughout their careers. We need skilled, caring, competent nurses who can cope with the physical and psychological demands of the nursing profession. Resilience is a core value and fundamental theme that must be addressed in the nursing workforce. Research demonstrates that there is a correlation between a healthcare professional's resilience and well-being in the workplace. Access to or engagement with social resources can activate self-care and resilient attributes, and resilience training can positively impact nurse stress, mindfulness, and resilience. Resilient nurses can better manage their response to stress and adversity, which will contribute to patient safety and promote positive patient outcomes.
What skills stand out on Lead Care Manager resumes?
Dr. Karen Brown-Fackler: Skills are not important on resumes for nurse graduates, other than being good employees with outstanding attendance. If they graduated from an accredited nursing program, the program (associate's degree or bachelor's degree) defines their skills. Employers don't have time for reading long resumes. I was a director of nursing for fifteen years at a large hospital. I hate getting long resumes. Stick to the facts. I like to see they have been employed previously and for how long in each position.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Lead Care Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Karen Brown-Fackler: Nurses are in even greater demand than they were before. Job security, pay, and variety of positions have never been better.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Lead Care Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Karen Brown-Fackler: There are nursing jobs everywhere. Truthfully, new graduates don't need help finding them. They are everywhere.
What Lead Care Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wrennah Gabbert Ph.D.: -Timeline for taking their licensure exam - Create a specific plan to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Data indicates the NCLEX-RN exam needs to be taken as soon as possible after graduation as the retention of the nursing core knowledge declines with an extended period of time. Success on the exam is improved if taken shortly after graduating their nursing program/studies. If a review course was not offered before graduation, the new graduate needs to consider investing in one. If they are unable to attend a review course, they need to dig into their previous study materials. A thorough review activity not only builds confidence and comfort with the mastery of the nursing knowledge base, but also helps identify any "weak" areas so they can seek out additional information and resources. A quick internet search will reveal the numerous excellent NCLEX-RN review courses available. Be aware many medical centers and hospitals will not employ new graduate RNs until they pass their NCLEX-RN examination.
-Taking Care of Yourself so YOU Can Take Care of Others - (i.e., Advocacy by Careful Self Assessment Process - Spend time carefully assessing your impending career and make an initial plan. Ask yourself, where do you want to work? Which areas during your clinicals did you particularly enjoy? What do you want to be doing in five to ten years? This activity helps identify your career goals, along with the nursing area/specialty you want to work in and the type of patients you want to care for. The time spent with this activity may prevent you from accepting and leaving a position within the first few months or year.
-Prepare for "Being Recruited" and the initial and follow-up interviews - Assess your confidence and comfort with "interviewing" and professionally asking questions. Inquire about resources and retention efforts (continuing education, orientation, scheduling, number of vacancies on the unit and why?). You are gathering information to determine if this position is a good fit for you.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Care Manager?
Wrennah Gabbert Ph.D.: -NCLEX-RN - Take your NCLEX-RN licensure examination as soon as possible after graduation. Be aware that some employers will not hire new graduates until they successfully pass their exam.
-Vital Skills - Along with careful self-assessment, communication skills are going to be a necessary skill that you must consciously work on. Reflect on your comfort level and confidence in a variety of clinical situations and conversations. Assessing a situation and knowing what to say and when to say it is vital and a major therapeutic intervention. Always remember that the ability to convey compassion in a professional manner with your words, actions, and, at the same time, not be too "familiar" is an art, and can make the difference in the outcome(s) for your patient and their family.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Lead Care Managers to find work opportunities?
Susan Belliston Ph.D.: Good places in the U.S. to find work in healthcare:
Rural facilities often find it hard to fill positions for Registered Nurses. Nurses in rural areas will have the opportunity to treat many different types of patients, from a laboring mother to a multiple-trauma patient or a dying elder. The skills required of a rural nurse are very broad, so the experience gained is also broad.
Facilities in the center of major cities also often find it difficult to staff registered nurse positions. Medical or surgical nursing is a great place to establish a solid foundation for nursing skills. However, facilities with nursing shortages may be willing to hire new graduates for emergency departments, operating rooms, or intensive care units.
Underserved populations have an ongoing need for health service providers. This may include the elderly, such as those in long term care facilities. It may also include Native American health services. Veteran services, particularly those in rural areas, need skilled health providers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Lead Care Manager job market given the pandemic?
Susan Belliston Ph.D.: It is my experience that during times of economic instability, jobs that require a foundational education, either a college degree or specialty certification, are more stable. I expect this trend to continue through the pandemic. The majority of jobs in health care require additional education. This fact, combined with the high demand for health care related to the pandemic, should result in a favorable job market for graduating health care providers. Other essential services, such as law enforcement, public safety, energy, water safety, and food production, will continue to be in demand.
What skills stand out on Lead Care Manager resumes?
Susan Belliston Ph.D.: The best skills for a stand out resume:
-Evidence of critical thinking skills - the ability to solve complex problems.
-Customer service skills - experience working with the public and dealing with difficult people.
Helpful on a resume or in interviews:
-Enthusiasm - Evidence of interest in the job and in the company for which the person is applying.
-Humility - Even if you are the best student, you do not know everything. As a new graduate, you are just entering a new profession. You have a good foundation, but you look forward to improving by gaining experience and working with other professionals.
-Evidence of stability or a plan for stability - No one wants to hear that you only plan to work here for a year or two.
Wendy Robb Ph.D.
Dean & Professor, School of Nursing, Hazel and Walter May Nursing Endowed Chair for Excellence in NursingCedar Crest College
School of Nursing
What type of skills will young Lead Care Managers need?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: First and foremost, our newest crop of professional nurses will need resiliency - the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties - toughness!! (Oxford dictionary) These nurses will need mental toughness and will be asked to flex further than they've ever flexed before. As health care professionals we need to support their mental health and professional development as new nurses. Encourage meditation, relaxation, exercise, walks in nature, etc. New graduates entering the current healthcare system may be questioning their choice of profession and their decision to become a nurse, particularly with the overlay of politicism with the pandemic. It is our responsibility to help them through and prepare them, equip them for short-term and long-term successes. We don't know exactly how they will fair, but it is our essential duty to nurture them. They will be a special breed, a group of new nurses who entered the profession during a full-blown pandemic in the Year of the Nurse and Midwife (2020). I wonder what Florence Nightingale would think? I am sure she would be proud and expect nothing less than our best!
What experience really stands out on Lead Care Manager resumes?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: The quality that I would be looking for on a resume is balance. Nurses need to protect themselves and their long-term mental health. This happens through self-care. Investment in self is one way to demonstrate self-care. Whether this is through hobbies, extra-curricular interests, volunteering and service, activities outside of nursing are an important indicator of self-care.
What type of skills will young Lead Care Managers need?
Dr. Brenda S. Lessen Knoll PhD, RN: Knowledge about COVID-19 is the obvious one, but the others might not be what people expect. An astute employer will look for graduates who have demonstrated incredible critical thinking for novel situations and the attitude needed to move through this PandemicPandemic. Tenacity. Vigilance. Proactiveness. Problem Solver. Positivity. Compassion. Team player. Out of the box thinking. Flexibility will be a key attribute as positions that new grads were hired for disappearing, and they get shifted to units where they are needed more. From the perspective of a graduate entering the workforce during a pandemic, they will have to understand the need for self-care and seek out support, or we won't have a nursing workforce left.
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE
Assistant ProfessorMissouri Baptist University
School of Nursing
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Lead Care Managers?
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduates. We have already seen that our students have reported abbreviated or virtual orientations. The first year of nursing has historically been a time when we see the burnout of young nurses. However, the stressors have tremendously increased due to the pandemic and strain that it has placed on the healthcare system as a whole. Graduates are reporting increased patient loads and a lack of adequate support services to aid in orientation to the competent nurse role. Despite these very real challenges, our graduates have shown extreme resiliency and perseverance, even in these tough times.
What type of skills will young Lead Care Managers need?
Frank Schaller DNP, APRN, FNP-C: The mission for nurses is not a simple task. Nurses have a mission to provide safe and quality care for the more than 8,000,000 Americans in need each day. During a single shift, a nurse will, on average, walk over 4.5 miles, safely lift over 1.8 tons, and care for nearly eight patients. Physical strength, emotional strength, and mental strength are all needed in order to be a nurse.