2026 Nurse Care Coordinator Salary by State

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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How much does a Nurse Care Coordinator make?

Guiding patients through complex care comes with a solid paycheck. On average, nurse care coordinators earn about $51,711 per year, putting them squarely in the middle of the nursing pay scale. Those who land roles in large hospital systems or specialty clinics often climb well beyond that mark.

Seasoned pros can push past the average by building on their experience with advanced training, such as earning certifications or completing MSN in care coordination programs online, a path that often leads to faster salary growth and higher-paying leadership roles.

Furthermore, where you work matters just as much as how long you’ve worked. Different organizations value and reward the contributions of a nurse care coordinator in different ways, creating wide variations in earning potential across the field.

What are the salary drivers for Nurse Care Coordinators?

Pay can swing widely from one nurse care coordinator to the next, even within the same organization. Understanding how much do nurse anesthetists make can offer perspective on compensation trends in advanced nursing roles. Knowing what drives those differences can help you take control of your earning potential and chart a path toward higher pay.

Here are the key factors that have the biggest impact on nurse care coordinator salaries:

• Care Complexity: Coordinators managing high-acuity or multi-condition patient populations often command higher salaries due to the added expertise and oversight required.
• Employer Type: Roles in large hospital systems, integrated health networks, or managed care organizations typically pay more than positions in small clinics or community health centers.
• Caseload Size: Handling a larger number of patients or overseeing multiple care teams can boost earning potential because it reflects greater scope and responsibility.
• Geographic Demand: Areas facing nurse shortages or with higher healthcare spending often offer higher salaries to attract and retain care coordinators.
• Interdisciplinary Leadership: Coordinators who lead cross-functional teams or oversee quality improvement projects can earn more for their expanded role and impact.

Mastering these salary drivers can put you on a faster track to higher earnings as a nurse care coordinator. Those who combine specialized expertise, leadership responsibilities, and experience in high-demand settings often see their pay climb well above the average. 

According to ZipRecruiter (n.d.), nurse care managers, who often start as care coordinators and move into broader oversight roles, can earn up to $92,257 annually, highlighting the strong growth potential and competitive MSN care coordination salary available in this field.

What are the top-paying states for a Nurse Care Coordinator?

Some states are raising the bar for nurse care coordinator pay, and by a wide margin. California leads the pack with a steep $129,880 average salary, far surpassing the national figure. Its high cost of living is matched by equally high compensation.

Close behind are states offering six-figure salaries and steady demand. Nevada pays around $102,957, while New York averages $102,048 for this role. These states combine strong healthcare infrastructure with dense patient populations, pushing wages well above the national norm.

Rounding out the top five are two coastal standouts. New Jersey averages $101,940, and Hawaii follows closely at $101,100. Both states offer competitive pay to attract and retain nurse care coordinators in markets where talent demand consistently outpaces supply.

Here’s a full breakdown of the 10 top states by pay for nurse care coordinators:

What are the top-paying cities for a Nurse Care Coordinator?

City salaries can outpace state averages, and nowhere is that clearer than Palo Alto. Nurse care coordinators there earn about $140,310, the highest city average in the country. Professionals with a certification in healthcare management may be especially competitive in these markets, as high demand, a dense healthcare network, and the elevated cost of living all drive pay to premium levels.

Other cities also offer six-figure opportunities for experienced coordinators. Las Vegas averages $103,204, while New York City follows closely at $102,304. Both markets reward coordinators who can manage large patient loads and complex care networks.

Even outside the biggest metros, salaries remain highly competitive. Nurse care coordinators in Livingston, New Jersey can earn around $101,998, while those in Boston yield $98,904. These cities demonstrate how location alone can elevate your earning potential as a nurse care coordinator.

Let’s look at the full breakdown of the top 10 highest-paying cities for nurse care coordinators:

How much does a new Nurse Care Coordinator earn in their first year?

Breaking into care coordination starts modestly, but with big growth potential ahead. New nurse care coordinators typically earn around $38,500 in their first year (ZipRecruiter, n.d.). Understanding what states have LPC reciprocity can be helpful for those considering relocation or dual licensure, as it may influence career opportunities and mobility.

Early-career coordinators spend much of their first year building core skills. They learn how to manage caseloads, coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, and navigate complex health systems. While the pay starts lower, these skills quickly increase their value to employers.

Salary growth can come quickly with experience and proven results. Many coordinators see noticeable pay jumps after their first year as they take on more responsibility and autonomy. Building on your education can accelerate that climb, so it’s worth exploring how foundational credentials impact earnings, like in our Associate Degree in Nursing Salary guide.

What are the highest-paying industries for Nurse Care Coordinator?

While pay varies by role and region, some industries consistently offer higher compensation to nurse care coordinators. Professionals with an accreditation for psychology master's may have additional opportunities in healthcare settings that value advanced behavioral health expertise, further boosting earning potential. Targeting these sectors can fast-track your income and open doors to advanced opportunities.

Here are the top-paying industries for registered nurses, including nurse care coordinators:

• Government ($106,480): Nurse care coordinators in federal agencies and public health departments manage complex cases, connect patients to community resources, and ensure continuity of care across large systems.
• Hospitals ($97,260): In hospital settings, coordinators oversee patient transitions between departments, develop care plans, and support diverse patient populations with varying medical needs.
• Ambulatory Healthcare Services ($83,780): Coordinators in outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and specialty practices guide patients through treatments, follow-up visits, and preventive care.
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities ($81,820): These coordinators design and monitor long-term care plans, working closely with residents, families, and staff to manage chronic and complex conditions.
• Educational Services ($74,360): In schools and universities, coordinators organize student health services, manage care for chronic conditions, and promote wellness programs across campuses.

 To truly maximize your earning potential, consider building on your education and leadership skills. Many professionals move into advanced roles, such as MSN clinical nurse leadership jobs, which open the door to higher salaries and greater influence in patient care. Investing in your education can be the key to reaching the top of this field.

Which US companies pay Nurse Care Coordinator the most?

While location and experience play major roles in salary potential, the employer nurse care coordinators choose can be just as impactful. Some organizations are known for offering above-average pay, often because of their size, resources, or commitment to high-quality care. 

Here are some of the top-paying companies for this role:

• Tenet Healthcare: Based in Dallas, this large healthcare services company operates hospitals and outpatient centers across the country. Nurse Care Coordinators here earn an average of $96,947 annually.
• Pace University: Located in New York City, this private university employs healthcare professionals in its clinical and academic programs, offering an average salary of $93,093.
• Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings: Headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, this global life sciences company hires nurses to coordinate patient care and lab services, with an average pay of $92,560.
• Appalachian Regional Healthcare: Based in Lexington, Kentucky, this not-for-profit health system serves communities across central Appalachia and pays an average of $92,421.
• Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this large acute care facility offers Nurse Care Coordinators an average salary of $90,887.

If you’re looking to reach the upper tiers of salary in the care coordination field, advancing your education can be a game-changer. Specialized training opens doors to leadership and advanced practice roles, especially at large healthcare organizations like these. 

Exploring advanced credentials can also help you branch into other high-paying areas, such as the many career paths for nurses with a DNP in adult-gerontology acute care, where demand and compensation continue to grow.

What advanced degrees can boost Nurse Care Coordinator salaries?

Climbing the salary ladder as a nurse care coordinator isn’t just about years on the job; it’s about leveling up your expertise. Advanced degrees can unlock higher-paying roles, build your leadership potential, and set you apart in a competitive market. The right degree can transform your earning ceiling from comfortable to commanding.

Here are the top advanced degrees that can elevate your salary potential:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Boosts your pay by 15%–20% to about $96,600–$100,800. It builds clinical and leadership skills for higher-paying coordinator or manager roles.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Raises your salary by 25%–30% to $105,000–$109,200. It prepares you for executive-level care coordination roles with top-tier pay.
• Master of Health Administration (MHA): Increases your earnings by 20–25% to $100,800–$105,000. It adds business and policy expertise for administrative leadership positions.
• Master of Public Health (MPH): Lifts your pay by 10%–15% to $92,400–$96,600. It opens doors to public health and population-based coordination roles.
• Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety (MS-HQS): Boosts your salary by 15%–20% to $96,600–$100,800. It focuses on patient safety and quality, leading to specialized leadership roles.

Investing in an advanced degree swings doors wide open to bigger responsibilities and better compensation. In a field where experienced nurse care coordinators can already earn impressive salaries, the right education can accelerate your rise into top-paying leadership roles.

What industry certifications can affect Nurse Care Coordinator salaries?

While advanced degrees can open doors, certifications can fast-track your credibility and salary potential without the long-term commitment. They signal specialized expertise and a commitment to best practices—qualities that employers reward. Earning the right certifications can quickly move you into higher-paying tiers of care coordination.

Here are the most impactful certifications for Nurse Care Coordinators:

• Certified Care Coordinator (CCC): Validates core care coordination and patient navigation skills.
• Certified Case Manager (CCM): Recognized across healthcare settings for advanced case management expertise.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ): Demonstrates knowledge in quality improvement and patient safety.
• Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM): Focuses on managing complex patient transitions between care settings.
• Accredited Case Manager (ACM): Highlights acute care case management skills in hospital settings.

Even a single certification can set you apart from other candidates and make you more competitive for raises and promotions. As demand grows for highly skilled coordinators, stacking credentials can be one of the fastest ways to boost your salary trajectory.

What is the outlook for Nurse Care Coordinator salaries in the future?

Salaries for nurse care coordinators have shifted over the past decade, and the next ten years could reshape them further. Rising demand, an aging workforce, and evolving care models are all putting pressure on the market, and that usually means an upward movement in paychecks. 

Here’s where the role is headed next:

• Wage Trends: Average salaries have seen about a 10% shift over the last decade, reflecting the changing healthcare priorities and cost structures.
• Job Growth: Employment of RNs, including nurse care coordinators, is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
• High Demand: Around 189,100 RN openings, including NCCs, are projected each year, largely driven by retirements and career changes, ensuring steady demand for new coordinators.
• Gender Pay Gap: Male coordinators earn about $82,287 on average, while female coordinators earn about $79,704, highlighting a small but persistent gap.

With demand rising and the workforce turning over, salaries for nurse care coordinators are well-positioned to hold steady (or climb) in the years ahead. Closing the gender pay gap and capitalizing on growing job openings will be key to shaping a stronger, more competitive future for this role.