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Job outlook for registered nurse case managers in the United States
Registered nurse case manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected registered nurse case manager job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for registered nurse case managers are projected over the next decade.
Registered nurse case manager salaries have increased 10% for registered nurse case managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 146,716 registered nurse case managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 491,740 active registered nurse case manager job openings in the US.
The average registered nurse case manager salary is $72,815.
Are registered nurse case manager jobs in demand?
Registered nurse case manager job and salary trends over time
Registered nurse case manager jobs over time
Registered nurse case manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 146,716 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 143,777 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 143,574 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 142,115 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 139,942 | 0.04% |
Average registered nurse case manager salary over time
Registered nurse case manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $72,815 | $35.01 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $70,853 | $34.06 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $69,335 | $33.33 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $67,663 | $32.53 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $66,165 | $31.81 | +1.4% |
Registered nurse case manager jobs by state
Most common states for registered nurse case managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 616 | 99% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,315 | 98% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 844 | 97% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 920 | 96% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 693 | 94% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,245 | 93% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 6,245 | 91% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 648 | 86% |
| 9 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 17,737 | 85% |
| 10 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 593 | 85% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 817 | 78% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 5,388 | 73% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2,599 | 72% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,500 | 72% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,984 | 71% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 403 | 70% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,136 | 68% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 4,375 | 66% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 1,206 | 66% |
| 20 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 5,428 | 64% |
Most common cities for registered nurse case managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Rapids | 25 | 13% | $72,039 |
| 2 | Providence | 17 | 9% | $78,629 |
| 3 | Madison | 21 | 8% | $68,673 |
| 4 | Riverside | 17 | 5% | $115,944 |
| 5 | Indianapolis | 30 | 4% | $58,306 |
| 6 | Boston | 29 | 4% | $88,290 |
| 7 | Colorado Springs | 20 | 4% | $68,980 |
| 8 | Kansas City | 19 | 4% | $54,812 |
| 9 | Detroit | 23 | 3% | $73,828 |
| 10 | El Paso | 20 | 3% | $75,072 |
| 11 | Albuquerque | 19 | 3% | $65,934 |
| 12 | Houston | 39 | 2% | $70,321 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 33 | 2% | $82,203 |
| 14 | Austin | 20 | 2% | $71,175 |
| 15 | New York | 43 | 1% | $88,376 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 37 | 1% | $118,964 |
| 17 | Chicago | 23 | 1% | $64,822 |
| 18 | San Antonio | 21 | 1% | $72,231 |
| 19 | San Diego | 20 | 1% | $114,353 |
| 20 | Dallas | 19 | 1% | $67,671 |
Registered Nurse Case Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of registered nurse case manager experts
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Meharry Medical College
Molloy College
University of St. Francis
The University of Tampa
Harding University
Shepherd University
George Fox University
New York University
University of Maine
University of Southern Maine
California State University - Dominguez Hills
University of Detroit Mercy
Stephen F Austin State University
Prairie View A & M University
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Molloy College
Krystyna Tabor
Assistant ProfessorNorthwestern State University of Louisiana
Allied Health And Medical Assisting Services
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Krystyna Tabor: Nursing has always been and will continue to be a good profession to enter. Nursing offers a flexibility that other professions do not offer. You can work at the bedside, in a clinic, or at home, etc. A nurse is not limited to a specific area. IE: nurses can change environments and specialties.
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.
ProfessorMeharry Medical College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.: 1. Learn as much as you can as if you are still a student. Respect your seniors and colleagues. Show humility so that you can learn from all around you. Those not having long list of degrees can teach you a lot. Nurses, technicians working aids and ancillary staffs have seen a lot in the practice and you can tap into their experience and be a better you professionally.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Case Manager?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Starting a career in nursing can be both exciting and intimidating. Some general advice for new nursing graduates embarking on their professional journey may include: Never Stop Learning, Develop Strong Communication Skills, Cultivate Critical Thinking, Prioritize Self-Care, Build a Strong Support System.
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Technological Proficiency, Cultural Competence, Focus on Preventive Care and Health Promotion, Interprofessional Collaboration.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Specialize, Further Education, Negotiate, Explore Alternative Settings, Stay Updated.
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate NursingUniversity of St. Francis
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Case Manager?
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Bedside clinical experience is important, getting certifications, soft skills to enhance your EI quotient, develop your leadership skills, going back for your MSN.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Save and invest your earrings. Consider having 401K, 403b, Roth, Traditional IRAs. Look into credit unions, bonds, stocks. Be financially savvy and save your money.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. MaryAnn D'Alesandro DNP, MSN, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, CNE: As a graduate and new RN, the salaries are competitive in the general areas. If you choose to specialize such as the OR, ER, ICU etc., or if you choose night shifts and weekends opposed to day shift, you could see the rates increase by several dollars an hour. Keep in mind that if you do not get a position in the area that you most want, for example labor and delivery, getting in the door of the hospital that you want to work at is most important. Getting your foot in the door is the opportunity. Most hospitals hire and promote from within, so that when a position opens in the area you truly want to work, you are in a better position to obtain it than someone who is not already a committed employee.
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN
Assistant ProfessorHarding University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: I would recommend they try to find their passion in nursing and get into it as quickly as they are able. You may not be able to start off on a specialty unit, but work on the steps needed to get there within a few years after starting off. If you try to practice nursing without passion, you can quickly experience feelings of burnout. If you work on a unit or with a population that you care deeply about, some days will *still* be hard but you will be encouraged to show up the next day and continue working with people you care about.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: Research before you interview on what normal pay is for your degree and type of nursing role you are wanting to be in. This varies by state and institution, but it will give you a guideline of what to expect. When they ask during the interview 'what is your expected salary?', you can then answer with a foundation in reality. If you are starting off with no experience, you can expect on the low-end of normal (around 25th percentile). Following that, look for ways to advance yourself in your role. This can include certifications, skills training, committee work at the institution, etc. Your best resources are clinical educators or your nurse manager on what additional training you can do that would benefit the environment you are in. These then stand out when you do your yearly reviews. Also, if you desire to make as much as possible, you need to also look into shift-differentials for your institution. Many hospitals will pay you extra on top of your salary if you come in to work nights, weekends, or extra shifts outside of your contracted shifts. I would caution against doing this excessively, however, because that will also increase your mental/physical fatigue from working in a draining environment. Value your downtime for your physical and mental health!
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC
Assistant Professor of NursingShepherd University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC: As a new RN begins their nursing career my advice includes: 1. Shadow on the unit where you think you want to work and explore the unit culture, leadership and communications styles, and overall RN staff satisfaction 2. Choose wisely for your first RN position—too many nurses leave the field within the first year. 3. Recognize that nursing in hospitals requires mostly 12 hour day and night, weekend and holiday work requirements—pay your dues—you are needed. Then decide where is best fit for work/life balance. 4. Create realistic strategies for your own self care. 5. Explore job opportunities in hospitals providing a quality nurse residency program 6. Find a mentor (not your manager or supervisor) to guide and support you throughout your career 7. While you may pursue a specialized area such as emergency room, critical care, and labor and delivery, remember that 80% of all patients in hospitals are older adults age 60-80. Medical/surgical nursing IS a nursing specialty and provides a solid foundation of nursing care and skills to transition to ANY setting or specialty. 8. Be responsible and accountable for your actions including work attendance; positive conflict resolution and problem solving; being a change agent to enhance nursing practice or for positive change; and choose NOT to become part of a negative group of co-workers who complain about everything and don't work toward positive change.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your nursing preceptors will not expect you to know everything. Give yourself grace and know that it may take several months to a year to feel comfortable and confident in your new role. Look for new positions with RN new grad residency programs to help support you in this transition from student to nurse. Take time to reflect on the care you give and how you want to improve. Care for yourself. Make sure you take time each week to do something that brings you joy. Spending time with friends, playing games, hiking, crafting, or exercising are important self-care activities.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: In nursing, maximizing your salary isn't just about climbing the traditional ladder. It’s crucial to broaden your perspective and think innovatively. Advanced certifications and education are key—they don’t just boost your expertise, they open doors to higher-paying opportunities that many might not consider, like roles in healthcare technology or business. Mastering negotiation is also essential. It’s about articulating your unique value compellingly, telling your story in a way that not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates how you can meet the needs of an organization in a mutually beneficial way. But let's not overlook the non-traditional paths. For instance, travel nursing can offer not just adventure but also lucrative contracts, especially in high-demand areas. And stepping into entrepreneurial roles within healthcare can tap into new revenue streams that go beyond hourly wages. Yet, while exploring these avenues, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. A healthy work environment where you feel genuinely supported and valued is priceless. It’s about finding a balance where you are not just well-compensated but where you also belong. Leaders who invest in your growth, a culture that respects your work-life balance, and a role that allows you to maintain your professional integrity—all these factors contribute to long-term satisfaction and well-being. After all, the ultimate goal isn’t just to earn more, but to build a fulfilling career that sustains you physically, emotionally, and mentally over the long haul. In the grand scheme of things, making a bit less in exchange for a life well-lived is not a compromise; it’s a strategic choice for lasting happiness and impact.
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE
Associate Professor of NursingUniversity of Southern Maine
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE: Salary depends upon experience and location. As a new grade you may have the opportunity to ask if there is a set salary or a range. Location is also important as many rural organizations do not have the resources as larger facilities have. Working in large urban areas organizations try to stay competitive with other organizations including salaries.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorCalifornia State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Registered Nurse Case Manager?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: My advice to Registered Nurses entering the workforce is to be open to opportunities that may not be their first choice. This can mean a nursing position in a department or a shift they may not have considered but may lead to future opportunities for a more desirable shift, or an opportunity in their preferred specialty.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: Nurses who have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree often find there are more opportunities for employment for positions with higher salaries. An example of this is the Magnet designation for hospitals, which requires that at least 80% of their nursing positions be filled by BSN prepared RNs. These positions generally offer higher salaries than positions in sub-acute care settings and in home health.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: People like the career paths that are offered in nursing. People also like the flexibility, ever-evolving shifts, job security and the opportunity to make a difference on a daily basis. People dislike the long hours at times, constant pressure, emotional involvement, and physical demands.
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C
MSN CoordinatorStephen F Austin State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Learn from everyone! Learn what is good and learn what not to do from those that are not. Managers will notice. Treat all patients and coworkers fairly. As a new nurse, volunteer for the nights and holiday differentials. People notice when you do and you make more. If you have debt to pay off, consider the residency programs that will help you do that. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program of 2024 is also a good place to look. This way you can save more of your salary.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nurses spend their days or nights assisting clients and their loved ones on their healthcare journeys. They possess a variety of tools and knowledge in which to do this. They assess and monitor patients, which is often a very dynamic process. They are trained to provide emergency response treatment. They administer medications and perform various aspects of patient care. They provide education to patients and loved ones and advocate for patients' rights and needs. Nurses maintained detailed documentation on all information pertaining to patients. They also work closely as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Finally, they also maintain their own professional development as changes in healthcare are frequent and/or they are interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: I think the biggest thing people like about nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others which is highly rewarding. Job stability in the field as well as variety and flexibility are also viewed as favorable. Nurses can also have a high degree of autonomy in their practice allowing them to make clinical decisions. Finally, there are always opportunities for leadership advancement and a large variety of advanced education that can be obtained in the field. Some of the things people dislike about being a nurse are the high workloads and emotional stress that often come with the job. There is also often a lack of recognition and support for nurses. The tasks of nursing can also be physically demanding, and nurses must be careful not to accidentally injury themselves on the job. Administrative burdens such as documenting can reduce the amount of time a nurse can spend on direct patient care and may cause frustration for some nurses. Overall though, I think the positive aspects of being a nurse far outweigh the negative ones.
What Registered Nurse Case Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: When you are first starting as a nurse, it will be important to find a role that fits best for you. This could be in terms of the facility, unit, leadership, etc. To increase your salary potential as a nurse, you can focus on earning specialty certification for your area of specialization. An example of this would be an emergency room nurse earning their Certified Emergency Nurse (CNE) or an ICU nurse earning their Critical Care Certified Nurse (CCRN). In order to take these specialty exams, you usually need 2+ years of bedside practice. I recommend taking those first two years of your career to focus on gaining confidence in the RN role. Additionally, nurses can also look at furthering their education, through earning a graduate degree in nursing, which opens up opportunities including education and leadership roles. Many MSN-prepared nurses also work bedside.
What will help Registered Nurse Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
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 Registered Nurse Case 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 will help Registered Nurse Case 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.
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 Registered Nurse Case 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.