Job outlook for patient relations directors in the United States

Patient relations director job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:

The projected patient relations director job growth rate is 28% from 2018-2028.
About 136,200 new jobs for patient relations directors are projected over the next decade.
Patient relations director salaries have increased 8% for patient relations directors in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,140 patient relations directors currently employed in the United States.
There are 91,308 active patient relations director job openings in the US.
The average patient relations director salary is $94,921.

Are patient relations director jobs in demand?

Yes, patient relations director jobs are in demand. Patient relations director demand is projected to grow 28% from 2018 to 2028.

Patient relations director job and salary trends over time

Compare the number of patient relations director jobs and the average patient relations director salary over time.

Patient relations director jobs over time

Patient relations director job growth rate over time

Year	# of jobs	% of population
2021	5,140	0.00%
2020	4,737	0.00%
2019	4,647	0.00%
2018	4,386	0.00%
2017	4,083	0.00%

Average patient relations director salary over time

Patient relations director salary by year

Year	Avg. salary	Hourly rate	% Change
2025	$94,921	$45.64	+3.3%
2024	$91,917	$44.19	+1.3%
2023	$90,779	$43.64	+1.4%
2022	$89,523	$43.04	+1.9%
2021	$87,876	$42.25	+2.2%

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Patient relations director jobs by state

The map below shows you the number of patient relations director job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where patient relations directors earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.

Average salary: Job openings:

Most common states for patient relations directors

Rank	State	Population	# of jobs	Employment/ 1000ppl
1	District of Columbia	693,972	295	43%
2	South Dakota	869,666	284	33%
3	North Dakota	755,393	246	33%
4	Massachusetts	6,859,819	1,559	23%
5	West Virginia	1,815,857	411	23%
6	South Carolina	5,024,369	1,020	20%
7	Maine	1,335,907	253	19%
8	Alabama	4,874,747	895	18%
9	Oklahoma	3,930,864	699	18%
10	Louisiana	4,684,333	796	17%
11	Connecticut	3,588,184	622	17%
12	Rhode Island	1,059,639	166	16%
13	Washington	7,405,743	1,123	15%
14	Arizona	7,016,270	1,019	15%
15	Mississippi	2,984,100	438	15%
16	Hawaii	1,427,538	219	15%
17	New Hampshire	1,342,795	207	15%
18	Alaska	739,795	113	15%
19	New Jersey	9,005,644	1,222	14%
20	Oregon	4,142,776	588	14%

Most common cities for patient relations directors

Rank	City	# of jobs	Employment/ 1000ppl	Avg. salary
1	Annapolis	1	3%	$107,280
2	Dover	1	3%	$114,361
3	Cambridge	1	1%	$107,278
4	Duluth	1	1%	$102,334
5	New York	6	0%	$102,890
6	Houston	3	0%	$78,663
7	Los Angeles	3	0%	$98,514
8	Phoenix	2	0%	$82,313
9	San Diego	2	0%	$93,505
10	Atlanta	1	0%	$83,013
11	Aurora	1	0%	$85,013
12	Baltimore	1	0%	$107,606
13	Baton Rouge	1	0%	$74,308
14	Boston	1	0%	$107,380
15	Chicago	1	0%	$85,351
16	Denver	1	0%	$81,360
17	Des Moines	1	0%	$76,094

Patient Relations Director job outlook: Expert opinions

We spoke to patient relations director professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the patient relations director job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the patient relations director industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.

Our panel of patient relations director experts

Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN

Frank Schaller DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Eastern Michigan University

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Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN

Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/Coach

What general advice would you give to a Patient Relations Director?

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.

Frank Schaller DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Eastern Michigan University

Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Patient Relations Directors?

Frank Schaller DNP, APRN, FNP-C: As we recognize the Year of the Nurse, we not only celebrate the nurses on the front line of this crisis but the nursing students who were determined to find ways to continue their education and persevere during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing graduates will be more resilient and noble than ever.

Patient relations director jobs

Updated March 6, 2024

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