What is a Patient Care Coordinator: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

If you're interested in healthcare but not necessarily drawn to clinical roles, becoming a patient care coordinator (PCC) could be the perfect fit. PCCs help patients manage appointments, insurance, and treatment plans, making them essential to a smooth healthcare experience. With a growing demand for care coordination and plenty of ways to move up, this role offers both stability and long-term potential.

In this article, you'll learn what the job involves, how much you can earn, and how it compares to similar careers.

What are the benefits of becoming a patient care coordinator?

You can earn a median salary of $34,884 per year, with opportunities to grow your income through experience and certifications.
The healthcare industry is expanding, and demand for care coordinators is rising across hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
This role can lead to higher-paying jobs like case manager, patient care manager, or healthcare practice administrator.

What is a patient care coordinator?
How much can I make as a patient care coordinator for 2025?
How does the salary of patient care coordinator compare to similar roles?
Which industries pay the most for patient care coordinators?
Which states pay the most for patient care coordinators?
What are the career paths for patient care coordinators?
How do I increase my earning potential as a patient care coordinator?
What additional training options can boost my career as a patient care coordinator?
What advanced online training options can boost my patient care coordinator expertise?
How can mastering medical billing and coding elevate my patient care coordination skills?
What licenses and certifications do I need as a patient care coordinator?
What are the common challenges faced by patient care coordinators?
Can supplementary online degrees broaden my career opportunities?
What is the job outlook for patient care coordinators?
Is a patient care coordinator career worth it?
Can further education accelerate career advancement for patient care coordinators?
Other Things You Should Know About Patient Care Coordinator

What is a patient care coordinator?

A patient care coordinator is a healthcare professional who helps manage the patient experience from start to finish. They serve as the main point of contact between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Their job is to make sure patients understand their treatment plans, schedule follow-ups, and get the care they need without unnecessary delays.

While not always clinical, the role requires strong communication and organizational skills. It’s also considered one of the highest paying jobs with a human services degree, especially for those looking to transition into healthcare without becoming a nurse or doctor.

What do patient care coordinators do?

Patient care coordinators help patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring they get quality care without confusion or delays. Their role blends administrative duties with direct patient support, making it essential to hospital and clinic operations.

Here’s what they typically do:

Schedule patient appointments and follow-up care
Educate patients about treatment plans and medications
Coordinate between patients, doctors, nurses, and insurance providers
Handle medical records, insurance verifications, and referrals
Monitor patient progress and satisfaction
Assist with discharge planning and home care coordination
Address patient concerns and help resolve barriers to care

While patient care coordinators are essential in ensuring patients receive the care they need, some healthcare professionals, like Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), may have overlapping duties but with greater responsibilities. In fact, the APRN salary is typically higher than that of patient care coordinators due to the advanced education and clinical expertise required for the role.

How much can I make as a patient care coordinator for 2025?

The average salary for a patient care coordinator in 2025 is $34,884 per year, with top earners making around $52,000. While this is lower than many roles in healthcare, it’s on par with similar entry-level positions like intake coordinators ($38,880) and referral coordinators ($35,297).

As you gain experience, you can move into higher-paying roles such as case manager or practice manager, where salaries can reach $65,000 to over $100,000 per year. Compared to clinical or specialized paths—like those tied to an industrial organizational psychology salary, which can exceed $80,000—PCC roles are more modest but offer steady income and advancement opportunities without a graduate degree. It’s a solid starting point for students interested in healthcare careers with room to grow.

Average annual salary of patient care coordinator

How does the salary of patient care coordinator compare to similar roles?

The average salary for a patient care coordinator is $34,884 per year. While this may not be the highest-paying healthcare role, it offers a strong starting point and sits comfortably among other entry-level or early-career positions in healthcare administration. The duties of a patient care coordinator focus on supporting patients through the treatment process—scheduling, communication, education, and coordination between healthcare teams.

Here’s how this role compares to similar positions in terms of both job focus and salary:

Case Manager: Manages long-term care plans and high-need patients. Requires more clinical decision-making than a PCC.
Medical Assistant: Performs basic clinical tasks like taking vitals, unlike the more admin-focused PCC role.
Patient Advocate: Focuses on protecting patient rights and resolving complaints, while PCCs manage day-to-day care coordination.
Scheduling Coordinator: Specializes in organizing appointments, with less patient interaction than a PCC.
Treatment Coordinator: Works closely with providers to schedule procedures and educate patients, especially in dental or therapy settings.
Registration Coordinator: Handles patient intake and insurance verification at the front desk—fewer responsibilities after check-in.
Clinical Care Coordinator: Oversees a team or clinic’s care plans, often with more authority and clinical knowledge than a PCC.
Patient Liaison: Acts as a bridge between patients and providers but with less involvement in scheduling or planning.
Patient Care Specialist: Similar to a PCC, but often narrower in scope and tied to specific departments or programs.

Although a child life specialist salary with master’s can be significantly higher, especially in pediatric hospitals, that path requires graduate-level education and specialized training. In contrast, patient care coordination is a more accessible way to start a healthcare career with room to grow.

Below is a chart comparing the average salaries for healthcare support roles that are similar to patient care coordinators. This gives you an idea of where the PCC role stands in terms of earning potential.

Which industries pay the most for patient care coordinators?

Patient care coordinators are needed in almost every healthcare setting, but salaries vary depending on the industry. Roles in outpatient care centers, specialty clinics, and home healthcare services tend to offer higher pay due to the complexity of patient needs and coordination efforts required.

While specific industry breakdowns for patient care coordinators are limited, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that medical and health services managers—a closely related role in the same career path—earn the most in hospitals, government facilities, and outpatient care centers.

Many patient care coordinators eventually move into these managerial roles with experience and education, which makes these industries valuable for both current earnings and future advancement. For individuals interested in transitioning to other fields, exploring a career path like how to become an environmental biologist may provide a new direction, especially for those passionate about the intersection of healthcare and environmental science.

The chart below compare these salaries in these industries. for healthcare managers. They can be uses as benchmark for patient care coordinator salaries.

Which states pay the most for patient care coordinators?

The highest-paying states for patient care coordinators include Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, California, and New York. For example, Washington leads with an average salary of $46,267, well above the national average of $34,884. These states typically offer higher wages to reflect their higher cost of living and demand for healthcare support roles.

If you're planning to grow into a Medical and Health Services Manager, many of the same states offer strong salaries. In fact, New York and California top the list for healthcare managers, with average salaries of $179,160 and $156,140, respectively. This makes high-paying states ideal.

The chart below uses medical and health services managers data as a benchmark for PCC salaries in certain states.

What are the career paths for patient care coordinators?

Starting out as a patient care coordinator gives you the foundational experience to move into higher-paying and more advanced roles in healthcare. With experience, additional certifications, or a relevant graduate degree, you can grow into supervisory, administrative, and managerial roles across clinical and social services settings.

Here are some common career paths for patient care coordinators:

Patient Care Manager: Oversees patient care operations within a facility. Coordinates with medical teams and manages flow of care.
Clinical Manager: Leads a department or medical program, supervising staff and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Practice Manager: Manages the business side of a healthcare practice, including staff, finances, and patient experience.
Director of Social Services: Supervises social work teams and services in healthcare or community settings.
Case Manager: Works directly with patients to coordinate long-term care and social support.
Intake Coordinator or Treatment Coordinator: Manages new patient intake or treatment planning. These can be lateral moves with slight pay differences.

Some professionals also pursue niche roles that combine patient care with speech and communication support. For instance, earning a masters in speech pathology online could open the door to roles that involve therapy coordination or specialized clinical care management.

Alternatively, if you're passionate about environmental science, you might explore an aquatic biologist career path, which blends scientific research with environmental and conservation efforts.

The chart below shows common career paths for patient care coordinators, along with their average salaries. These roles range from lateral administrative positions to leadership opportunities in healthcare and social services.

How do I increase my earning potential as a patient care coordinator?

While entry-level patient care coordinators earn around $34,884 per year, there are several ways to increase your salary over time. Advancing in this field doesn’t always require a full career switch—just the right mix of experience, education, and strategic credentials.

Here are some effective ways to boost your earning potential:

Gain certifications, such as Certified Case Manager (CCM), HIPAA certification, or Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM), to stand out in job applications.
Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or public health to qualify for managerial roles.
Pursue clinical credentials, like becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), to take on more specialized responsibilities.
Move into high-paying industries or locations with higher demand, such as hospitals or outpatient care centers in urban areas.
Apply for promotions to roles like patient care manager, practice manager, or clinical supervisor.

While wondering what can you do with a PhD in clinical psychology, it’s worth noting that a doctorate is typically beyond the scope of this career path and may be more useful in therapy or mental health roles than in care coordination.

What additional training options can boost my career as a patient care coordinator?

In addition to formal education and basic certifications, specialized training enhances role competency and career progression. Professionals can benefit from targeted courses covering advanced administrative skills, leadership in healthcare technology integration, and data management. Exploring accredited online modules, such as medical billing and coding online courses cost, can provide practical insights while maintaining flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

What advanced online training options can boost my patient care coordinator expertise?

Patient care coordinators seeking to advance their skillset beyond traditional certifications can benefit from specialized online training that addresses emerging technologies, data analytics, and telehealth coordination. These programs offer industry-specific insights and practical applications that enhance digital proficiency essential for modern care management. Exploring options such as online sonography certificate programs provides exposure to advanced imaging techniques, thereby broadening clinical understanding and operational efficiency.

How can mastering medical billing and coding elevate my patient care coordination skills?

By developing proficiency in medical billing and coding, patient care coordinators can enhance their administrative effectiveness and reduce claim rejections, ensuring smoother interactions with insurance companies. Gaining these technical skills leads to a better understanding of reimbursement processes and financial documentation, which is increasingly critical in today’s healthcare environment. Professionals who combine care coordination with solid billing and coding competencies are often considered for advanced roles and leadership positions. For those interested in bridging this gap, exploring the best medical billing and coding programs can provide the targeted training needed to excel in both operational efficiency and career development.

What licenses and certifications do I need as a patient care coordinator?

Most patient care coordinator roles don’t require a specific license to get started, but having the right certifications can make you more competitive and lead to higher-paying opportunities. Some roles, especially those in clinical settings, may prefer or require certain credentials.

Here are some common licenses and certifications that can help:

Certified Case Manager (CCM): Ideal for coordinators handling long-term care or chronic conditions.
Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM): Recognized in medical practices for administrative leadership.
Certified Medical Manager (CMM): A strong credential for those aiming to manage staff or healthcare operations.
Basic Life Support (BLS): Often required in hospital or emergency care environments.
HIPAA Certification: Demonstrates knowledge of patient privacy laws and compliance—essential in any healthcare setting.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN): Preferred for more clinical care coordination roles.

Pairing a certification with an advanced degree can also boost earning power. For example, professionals with a credential and an MBA often move into leadership roles—reflecting the higher MBA healthcare administration salary that comes with executive-level positions in healthcare.

What are the common challenges faced by patient care coordinators?

Patient care coordinators encounter a variety of challenges that require both adaptive strategies and continuous development. Key challenges include managing high administrative workloads, navigating complex insurance systems, and adapting to evolving healthcare technologies. Professionals must also address the emotional demands of patient interactions and the need to continuously update digital and organizational skills. Leveraging targeted training and progressive career pathways—such as transitioning into highest paid healthcare administration jobs—can help mitigate these challenges and enhance career longevity.

Can supplementary online degrees broaden my career opportunities?

Diversifying your educational background can open alternative avenues that complement and expand your role as a patient care coordinator. Supplementary online degrees in fields such as sports management or related disciplines can provide you with managerial skills, strategic planning capabilities, and an understanding of community wellness programs. These competencies may be particularly useful when exploring roles that intersect healthcare with recreational and athletic services. For instance, acquiring expertise in managing sports events and facilities can prepare you for positions in athlete care coordination or wellness program administration. Pursuing programs like the cheapest online sports management bachelor's degree may offer a competitive edge by broadening your perspective and equipping you with transferable leadership skills applicable across various sectors.

What is the job outlook for patient care coordinators?

According to Zippia, the job outlook for patient care coordinators is declining by 4%, which is slower than average compared to other healthcare support roles. This may be due to shifts in how healthcare facilities structure administrative positions or overlap with other patient service roles. While this specific role is seeing a decrease, related careers such as case managers, clinical coordinators, and medical services managers are in high demand, with some projected to grow by as much as 29% over the next decade.

This means that while patient care coordination might not offer the strongest long-term stability on its own, it still serves as a valuable entry point into fast-growing areas of healthcare. With additional training or credentials, professionals can move into roles with stronger job prospects and leadership potential. For example, some individuals might choose to transition into law enforcement roles such as air marshals, which require meeting air marshal training requirements.

For students, this reinforces the idea that building a healthcare career is often about using one position—like a PCC—as a launchpad into other in-demand paths.

Is a patient care coordinator career worth it?

Yes, becoming a patient care coordinator can be worth it—if you're looking for a healthcare career with low entry barriers and room to grow. The average salary is $34,884 per year, which is modest, especially when compared to the average cost of living for a single person in the U.S., about $1,174 per month (excluding rent). However, the cost to enter this field is relatively low. Most roles require just an associate or bachelor's degree and optional certifications like HIPAA or CCM, which typically cost under $500–$1,000.

Even though the job outlook is currently declining by -4%, the skills and experience gained as a PCC can lead to better-paying roles like case manager or practice manager. These positions can nearly double your income over time. If you’re budget-conscious and looking for a starting point in healthcare, this path offers stability, growth potential, and meaningful work—without the massive debt that comes with more clinical roles.

The image below shows the cost of living in the US to help you decide whether a career as a patient care coordinator is a viable choice.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Career as Patient Care Coordinators

Working as a patient care coordinator lets me make a real difference every day. I’m the person patients turn to when they’re overwhelmed, and I love being that steady support. It’s challenging, but seeing people leave with answers and a plan makes it all worth it. Maribel
I completed my degree online while working full-time, and it made the transition into healthcare seamless. I was able to apply what I learned in real time, and the flexibility helped me balance work, school, and family. Now I’m in a role where I feel confident, qualified, and valued. DeShawn
This role helped me move into a management track within three years, and it started with basic care coordination. I didn’t expect to love both the paperwork and the people side of the job, but it’s a great fit. There’s always something new to learn or improve. Anika

Can further education accelerate career advancement for patient care coordinators?

Patient care coordinators who pursue advanced education can enhance their strategic leadership and operational skills, setting themselves apart from peers. Earning additional credentials may offer insights into healthcare management, policy, and the integration of innovative practices into daily operations. For instance, specialized studies and certifications can provide a foundation for assuming managerial or consultancy roles, ultimately expanding career pathways. Exploring online degrees in public health has proven beneficial for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of community health systems and preventive strategies.

Key Findings

Patient care coordinators earn an average of $34,884 per year, making it a stable entry point into the healthcare industry.
The job outlook is declining by 4%, but related roles like case manager and clinical coordinator are growing rapidly.
Washington offers the highest pay for PCCs, with an average salary of $46,267, followed by Oregon and Hawaii.
Entry-level certifications such as HIPAA and CCM cost around $500–$1,000, making them affordable career investments.
With experience, PCCs can advance to roles like practice manager, earning an average salary of $107,374 per year.
The average monthly cost of living for a single person in the U.S. is $1,174, excluding rent and housing expenses.

Other Things You Should Know About Patient Care Coordinator

What kind of hours do patient care coordinators typically work?

Patient care coordinators usually work full-time, with schedules based on the needs of their facility. In hospitals or urgent care settings, this may include evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts. In clinics or private practices, standard Monday to Friday business hours are more common. Some roles offer flexible or hybrid schedules, especially in telehealth or outpatient services, making this a good fit for those needing work-life balance.

Do patient care coordinators need clinical experience?

Not always. Many patient care coordinator roles are administrative and focus on communication, scheduling, and insurance coordination. However, having clinical experience—like working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant—can be a major plus. Clinical knowledge helps you better understand patient needs and medical terminology, especially if you’re working in a hospital or specialty care setting.

Can you work remotely as a patient care coordinator?

Yes, some healthcare organizations offer remote or hybrid patient care coordinator roles, especially in telemedicine or insurance-based companies. These positions typically focus on scheduling, follow-up calls, and medical documentation. However, most in-person roles—like those in hospitals or clinics—require onsite work. If you’re looking for flexibility, remote opportunities are growing and often require strong communication and tech skills.

Is this a good job for someone who wants to help people?

Absolutely. Patient care coordinators play a direct role in improving patients’ experiences with the healthcare system. Whether it’s explaining a treatment plan, arranging home care, or helping someone navigate insurance, you’re often the person who makes things less overwhelming for patients. It’s a great fit for people who are empathetic, organized, and passionate about helping others.