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Job outlook for medical case managers in the United States
Medical case manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected medical case manager job growth rate is 28% from 2018-2028.
About 136,200 new jobs for medical case managers are projected over the next decade.
Medical case manager salaries have increased 8% for medical case managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 62,366 medical case managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 85,820 active medical case manager job openings in the US.
The average medical case manager salary is $42,432.
Are medical case manager jobs in demand?
Medical case manager job and salary trends over time
Medical case manager jobs over time
Medical case manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62,366 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 63,423 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 63,831 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 63,031 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 60,378 | 0.02% |
Average medical case manager salary over time
Medical case manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $42,432 | $20.40 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $41,090 | $19.75 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $40,581 | $19.51 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $40,019 | $19.24 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $39,283 | $18.89 | +2.2% |
Medical case manager jobs by state
Most common states for medical case managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 277 | 40% |
| 2 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 669 | 23% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 435 | 23% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,248 | 22% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 444 | 21% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 369 | 21% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 201 | 21% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,940 | 19% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,325 | 18% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,117 | 18% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,442 | 17% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,150 | 17% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 725 | 16% |
| 14 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 464 | 15% |
| 15 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 461 | 15% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 270 | 15% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,553 | 14% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 663 | 14% |
| 19 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 379 | 13% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 97 | 13% |
Most common cities for medical case managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $47,174 |
| 2 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $57,016 |
| 3 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $37,205 |
| 4 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $46,766 |
| 5 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $41,312 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $37,132 |
| 7 | Worcester | 2 | 1% | $50,352 |
| 8 | Philadelphia | 6 | 0% | $48,868 |
| 9 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $50,050 |
| 10 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $51,514 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $64,810 |
| 12 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $43,739 |
| 13 | Anaheim | 1 | 0% | $64,406 |
| 14 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $40,166 |
| 15 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $47,093 |
| 16 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $46,963 |
Medical Case Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of medical case manager experts
Indiana University Northwest
Erikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Gannon University
Portland State University
Rollins College
Alabama A & M University
Angelo State University
Kansas State University
Kean University
Saginaw Valley State University
Centre College
Linda Galocy
Director and Assistant Dean, Clinical Associate ProfessorIndiana University Northwest
Health Information Management Programs
What soft skills should all Medical Case Managers possess?
Linda Galocy: Writing skills, communication, organization, the ability to multi-task, critical thinking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical 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.
What skills will help Medical Case Managers earn the most?
Linda Galocy: Look for certifications. Health information professionals have two national certifications, the RHIT, and RHIA depending on the level of education that has been completed by a graduate. In addition, there are other certifications that a professional can obtain depending on their area of expertise. A clinical documentation improvement specialist can obtain a CDIP credential through AHIMA or a CCDS credential through ACDIS. AHIMA also provides certification in healthcare privacy and security, the CHPS, HIMSS offers the CAHIMS and CPHIMS credentials for professionals more focused on healthcare information and management of systems.
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 Medical 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 will help Medical 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.
What will help Medical 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.
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Counselor Education, School Counseling Program CoordinatorPortland State University
Counselor Education Department
What's a good job out of college for Medical Case Managers?
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.: Upon graduating with a master's degree in school counseling, I highly recommend students pursue a job as a licensed school counselor in a P-12 setting where they develop and facilitate a comprehensive school counseling program for elementary, middle or high school students. The need for highly-skilled, effective, and culturally-responsive school counselors is growing and there are not enough qualified professionals to fill these critical roles in our school communities.
Samuel Sanabria Ph.D.
Professor of Clinical Mental Health CounselingRollins College
Graduate Studies of Counseling
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Case Managers?
Samuel Sanabria Ph.D.: The pandemic has caused a significant change in how we work, connect with friends and family, and maneuver in society. These changes are pushing people to their very limits, resulting in increased reports of depressive and anxious symptoms. Unfortunately, I do not believe that our society will ever go back to pre-pandemic days. Instead, we will continue to struggle as we try to adjust to this new life.
I predict an increase in demand for mental health counselors, expanding employment opportunities for graduates. I also expect that telehealth services are here to stay, making access to counseling easier for many.
Samson Chama
ProfessorAlabama A & M University
Department of Social Work, Psychology & Counseling
What technical skills for a Medical Case Manager stand out to employers?
Samson Chama: I think employers will be looking for social workers who are competent in a variety of technical platforms and software packages. For this to happen social workers who are novice to technology will need to motivate and reinvent themselves by willingly acquiring knowledge and skills in latest cutting-edge technology. This should be technoloy that promises them--social workers--to work effectively from any point of reference while at the same time empowering and enabling them to churn out relevant and needed services.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Case Managers?
Samson Chama: Social work is a generic profession that is constantly evolving. Within its evolution there is probably no single important social work job that might be pointed out or highlighted as being above the rest. In these times social workers need to be well versed in crucial social work professional domains and these in particular include such areas as planning, research and programming. Each of these domains comes with unique jobs and skill sets that may help social workers to become powerful and yet crucial planners, researchers and programmers. These three domains are essential elements to social work effective service-delivery.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Case Managers?
Anne Scaggs: That is a difficult question to answer because social work is a very broad field. At the BSW level, an entry level position with any social service agency is a great place to start. At the MSW level, if one is interested in private practice, then a job with an agency that provides individual and group counseling would be perfect which the practitioner is under supervision for their clinical license. If one is interested in administration, then any government agency would be great because they provide the opportunity for advancement. It really depends on the interests of the social worker. Mental health facilities, hospitals, schools, and small agencies also offer exposure to diverse clients and will help any social worker hone their skills as a practitioner.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Anne Scaggs: I believe the biggest trends we will see in the job market due to the pandemic will be related to the human service industry. There is already a need for increased mental health professionals to assist not only those who are suffering from depression due to the isolation from others but to assist the first responders who have been dealing with the incredible stress that has been added to their jobs as well as depression, especially as it relates to doctors and nurses who have been watching so many die. We also have high levels of unemployment and that creates stress that can lead to increased domestic violence and child abuse. So, there will definitely be a need for well-trained social workers and other helping professionals.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Medical Case Managers?
Anne Scaggs: Courses related to mental health, case management, and practice at all levels (individual, group, organizations, and communities). In social work, although we do have DSW and PhD programs, and MSW degree with an LMSW or LCSW license provides the most job prospects. Once a masters level social worker passes thier Licensed Master Social Work licensing exam, they can begin supervision for thier clinical license. That clinical license opens every door in social work.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Case Managers?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: In the short-term, the coronavirus pandemic may result in fewer job openings for social workers due to budget constraints within local governments (as a result of reduced tax receipts) and within non-profit social service agencies (as a result of cancelled fundraisers). Additionally, the need for social distancing may translate into being able to have fewer staff in a room at a time, which may further result in lowered ability to have staff present on sight.
The nation's eviction moratorium, which prevents landlords from evicting tenants behind on rent, seems to have momentarily lowered the number of individuals in need of homeless shelters - thus translating into potentially lower short-term needs for staff. However, this will be quickly reversed once the moratorium is lifted. Despite budget cuts, the weakened economy and greater social isolation means that social workers are still very much needed in the community.
In the long-term, the largest impact on social workers will be the shift to telebehavioral health. While many previously questioned the ability to provide social services virtually, expanded use of video conferencing, text messaging, and phone calls is making everyone more comfortable with technology. Social workers should be prepared to do more of their work remotely, potentially from home. Connecting with clients remotely may limit one's ability to pick up on nonverbal cues, but it also has its strengths - such as the ability to reach out to clients who have limited transportation or live in remote areas.
What soft skills should all Medical Case Managers possess?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: Social workers engage with vulnerable populations, many of whom have histories of traumatic experiences. Thus, high emotional intelligence will allow social workers to best connect with clients and help them reach their goals.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Case Managers?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: COVID-19 has changed society and the way it interacts with its environment, both in negative and positive ways. Because of the necessary adaptations we've all had to make, the market world has found value in remote work. With mental health, this opens opportunities to provide services across state lines, and across county lines. Making treatment more accessible, and positively impacting private practice owners business. In negative ways, we have seen people really need more connection due to the isolation experienced over the year. I think graduates are in a wonderful place to help create those connections for those feeling depressed and along, but they are also in a challenging place of trying to heal themselves from the same woes.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Medical Case Managers?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: Working in mental health is a wonderful experience. There are so many different ways to break into the mental health field, that really students just need to tap into what most interests them about the field. Students will find that depending on the level of education they have, that will influence the kind of mental health they practice. For example, on a Bachelor's level it is so important to take classes like Psychology or any behavior focused classes. This degree and class list will propel them towards breaking into case management fields rooted in medical mental health and community mental health. Though at a Bachelor level graduates will not be doing much counseling, they will find themselves advocating and providing supportive services. It is most helpful to attain a Master's degree, if a graduate wants to become a mental health professional, more commonly a psychotherapist.
With a Master's level education in a few fields like Social Work, Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy, graduates are able to position them in a place to receive the necessary license to provide direct counseling in medical, community and even privately owned practices. These fields consider a Master's a terminal degree, so once completed (following the necessary practicing hours) students can open up their own business.
For a more medical comprehensive service, students can take the medical school route which would allow them to study towards becoming a psychiatrist. In psychiatry, practitioners can provide psychotherapy and also prescribe the medications needed for those who have more severe experiences of mental illness.
What soft skills should all Medical Case Managers possess?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: In the world we are in, empathy and compassion are tools we need most when interacting with each other. Graduates need to practice the skills of listening actively, and communicating in a way that is responsive rather than reactive. As social media expands and the world becomes smaller we all have become more connected and more aware of the experience of being a global citizen. Graduates need to practice having conversations with those who are different from them, practice putting themselves in the shoes of those they interact with, and learn the art of conflict resolution. We are all different in the way we think, but now more than ever we need graduates who are solution focused in their responses to the world rather than problem focused.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Case Managers?
Michael Heron: There will be enduring impacts on graduates due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this cohort of graduates in 2021 will not be given the opportunity to build relationships and network in-person the way that past students have had the opportunity to do. Interpersonal skills are important for people starting out in their professional lives or starting a new career path and like a muscle that does not get worked these can become difficult to use after months of social distancing or isolation. Many people find jobs or other opportunities through the connections they make in college and the networks they build. Online learning has likely limited the number of interactions with new people and stifled the opportunity to strengthen current relationships that create opportunities in the future.
One thing that may be a positive impact due to the pandemic is that the 2021 graduates will be much more well-versed in online content delivery which will benefit them in a post-COVID world. We are finding out that the classic office setting is not as necessary as we thought and working from home while "Zooming" in will become more prevalent. The students now have been able to hone the skills necessary for this in the laboratory of the classroom. For those in the health and human services fields this will benefit telehealth and service delivery in areas that have previously lacked resources.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Case Managers?
Michael Heron: A good job right out of college is the one that hires you. Very few people are lucky enough to be offered their dream job right out of college and so it takes some time and some skills development in order to get to that job. Also, exposure to different jobs or aspects of a profession can help a recent graduate discover things that they may not know they enjoy professionally or discover that what they thought was their dream job is not the case. This is not to say one should take the first job that comes along but it is important to have an open mind about the different paths that exist to get to where you want to be professionally and the goal can change along the way.
What technical skills for a Medical Case Manager stand out to employers?
Michael Heron: Critical thinking skills, interpersonal communication skills, and being proactive. Employers want problem solvers not just someone who can take direction. Critical thinking is important to solve problems and to show that you can be trusted to get things done correctly. Interpersonal skills are important because effective communication is paramount in a high functioning office, agency, or organization. Lastly, being proactive is something that any employer would want to see from their staff. It, again, shows that you are looking to solve problems and can do that before the problems even arise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
William Weston: Many more jobs can be done remotely. Most white-collar workers can work at least partly from home. This should help parents especially.
What technical skills for a Medical Case Manager stand out to employers?
William Weston: The ability to write clearly and think critically. The deep sense that other people in other cultures, and other positions in our own culture, see the world differently, enabling students to respond to a broad range of people appropriately.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Case Managers?
William Weston: Anything that pays the bills. Honest work is ennobling.
OK, jobs that serve others are more satisfying that those that just make money. Human service jobs lead to all kinds of other careers.