[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare employers rely on a diverse pipeline of highly qualified workers to fill administrative roles in healthcare finance and operations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the nation’s fastest-growing occupations, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-vs-healthcare-management/”]healthcare managers[/hen-ui-link] ensure that facilities, people, and processes work as efficiently and effectively as possible. This guide explores some of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare management.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Healthcare Management Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare Management Jobs Overview[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Baby Boom generation continues to age along with the need for treatment and care coordination. This and other factors place greater strains on the healthcare system and increase the need for savvy healthcare managers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/healthcare-administration/how-to-become/”]Healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] and healthcare management are two different fields that share some similarities. While healthcare administrators focus on the day-to-day operations of healthcare programs and facilities, healthcare managers oversee entire healthcare facilities and systems.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The need for effective healthcare management is reflected in current national data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, medical and health services managers with a bachelor’s degree and less than five years of relevant experience earned an annual median salary of $110,680 as of 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Further, the BLS projects an eye-popping 28% job growth for these fields between 2022 and 2032 — nearly 10 times the national average growth of 3% for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other high-paying occupations in healthcare management include administrative services and facilities managers, who earned an average of $104,900 as of 2023, according to the BLS. Nursing managers earned an average base salary[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”] of $95,370[/hen-ui-link] in May 2024, while hospital administrators earned an average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Hospital_Administrator/Salary” target=”_blank”]of $95,066[/hen-ui-link] in March 2024, reports Payscale.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, the further you take your education, the greater pay you can command. Healthcare management professionals with an undergraduate degree often earn less than colleagues with a master’s degree or may need more experience to reach the same level of expertise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Highest-Paying Undergraduate Healthcare Management Jobs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many healthcare management positions you can land with a bachelor’s degree and less than five years of work experience. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management prepares workers for entry- to mid-level careers. Students develop the business, healthcare, and leadership proficiencies managers need to succeed.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top Undergraduate Healthcare Management Jobs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rank[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]1[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]HR Manager in Healthcare[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$114,830[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]2[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Hospital Administrative Services or Facilities Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$110,950[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]3[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Medical and Health Services Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$110,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]4[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Healthcare Management Analyst[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$99,410[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]5[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Nursing home administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$97,490[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1 | Human Resources Managers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As in many other fields, healthcare employers and employees rely on human resources (HR) professionals to help manage their people, resources, and institutional priorities. They recruit, hire, and train employees and implement policies around compensation and benefits.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]HR managers are excellent communicators and decision-makers. These specialists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field. For healthcare employers, a bachelor’s in healthcare management could help you stand out. Employers may prefer to hire those with certification from a professional organization such as the Society for Human Resource Management.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $114,830[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2 | Hospital Administrative Services or Facilities Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical office managers ensure that hospitals, medical practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities run as safely and smoothly as possible. These professionals sometimes manage various day-to-day tasks, including implementing policies and procedures, managing supply inventories, and ensuring that equipment and technology are functional and up to date.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many medical office managers have a bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or a related field. Employers expect these managers to have strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $110,950[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3 | Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical and health services managers oversee operations and services provided at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They understand the inner workings of healthcare systems but do not provide direct patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rather, their duties involve developing budgets, leading staff, and ensuring compliance with complex healthcare laws and regulations. Medical and health services managers need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, although they often need a more advanced degree for senior-level positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $110,680[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4 | Management Analysts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Management analysts, or management consultants, help healthcare organizations optimize business operations, reduce costs, and enhance patient care. They use financial data and other institutional information to identify areas for improvement. Management analysts may have a particular focus area such as healthcare operations, clinical operations, or health information technology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those specializing in healthcare have at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, business, or a related field. The job demands highly advanced analytical, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills. While they are not required to hold certification, some management analysts may enhance their qualifications with certification from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://imcusa.org/certified-management-consultant/” target=”_blank”]Institute of Management Consultants[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $99,410[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5 | Nursing Home Administrators[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing home administrators are just one kind of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-administrator/” target=”_blank”]nursing administrator[/hen-ui-link], all of whom have unique duties, workplace settings, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-administrator/” target=”_blank”]professional requirements[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing home administrators manage the day-to-day operations of long-term care facilities and similar institutions. Depending on the size of the facility and other factors, these administrators may perform clinical as well as administrative duties. Nursing home administrators may have a nursing degree in addition to a degree in healthcare management or a similar subject.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing home administrators’ specific duties can include developing and managing budgets, managing staff, implementing programs, interacting with residents and families, and ensuring the facility is in compliance with laws and regulations. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nabweb.org/home” target=”_blank”]National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards[/hen-ui-link] administers certifying exams for this profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $97,490[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Highest-Paying Graduate Healthcare Management Jobs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Executives in the upper echelons of healthcare management usually have education and training beyond a bachelor’s degree. Many have master’s degrees and significant industry experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in healthcare management develops leaders who have advanced business and healthcare expertise. Learners acquire skills like financial reporting and analysis, systems and operations management, and strategic planning, all in a healthcare context. Students can pursue degrees such as a master’s in healthcare management or a master of business administration in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top Graduate Healthcare Management Jobs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rank[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]1[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Hospital Chief Executive Officer [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$258,900[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]2[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Chief Nursing Officer[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$155,833[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]3[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Hospital Chief Financial Officer[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$123,586[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]4[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Health Services Administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$109,274[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]5[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Operations Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$129,330[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1 | Hospital Chief Executive Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare chief executive officers (CEOs) lead and manage the overall operations of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities include strategic planning, financial management, and the appointment of senior executives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A healthcare CEO usually has a graduate degree such as a master’s degree in healthcare management, as well as substantial experience in the worlds of business and healthcare. This leader may also be a trained physician or other healthcare professional. CEOs and other top healthcare executives must demonstrate excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to succeed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some CEOs move up from mid-level managerial positions within their organization, while others are recruited from outside of the organization.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $258,900[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2 | Chief Nursing Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/chief-nursing-officer/” target=”_blank”] chief nursing officer[/hen-ui-link] (CNO) leads nursing departments in hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare facilities. As a senior executive, the CNO manages and directs the nursing staff, ensures high-quality patient care, implements policies and procedures to maximize performance, and manages and allocates financial and other resources.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/chief-nursing-officer/how-to-become/” target=”_blank”]Requirements to become a CNO[/hen-ui-link] can include a graduate-level degree in nursing, such as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/” target=”_blank”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/” target=”_blank”]doctorate of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] degree. Many of these programs have [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-nursing-leadership-administration-programs/” target=”_blank”]specialized leadership tracks[/hen-ui-link] that prepare nurses for senior roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $155,833[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3 | Hospital Chief Financial Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chief financial officers (CFOs) are responsible for managing a company’s finances and maintaining its fiscal health. CFOs oversee the organization’s income and expenses, prepare financial statements and forecasts, ensure adherence to laws and regulations, and develop a company’s investment strategy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial managers often have a master’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field, and at least five years of experience. Those working in healthcare management will likely have experience in this sector, though it may not be required.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial managers have strong analytical and communication skills. Many hold certification from professional organizations such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hfma.org/education-events/certifications/” target=”_blank”]Healthcare Financial Management Association[/hen-ui-link] or a more general organization like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cfainstitute.org/” target=”_blank”]CFA Institute[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $123,586[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4 | Health Services Administrator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health services administrators, also known as healthcare administrators or health services managers, play a critical role in healthcare delivery. They design and develop policies, initiatives, budget priorities, and more, all with the goal of optimizing patient care and the patient experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals understand the complex world of healthcare laws and regulations and work to ensure their institution remains responsive and compliant.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $109,274[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5 | Operations Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities. These specialists manage budgets and other resources, including staff, supplies, and equipment. They often implement initiatives like quality improvement procedures for effective healthcare delivery.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Operations managers must have excellent skills in areas such as budgeting and resource management, planning, and organization. Some operations managers may have only a bachelor’s degree, but a more advanced degree can make a difference if you’re looking to reach the top levels of the profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $129,330[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Management Jobs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying healthcare management job?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many high-paying jobs in healthcare management, depending on your education and area of specialization. The highest-paying healthcare management job is hospital CEO, with an annual average salary of $258,900. That number can increase substantially depending on education, experience, and the facility size.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do you make a lot of money in healthcare management?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your qualifications, location, and other factors help determine your salary, but many healthcare management jobs earn six figures. For example, medical and health services managers earn an annual median salary of $110,680.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is healthcare management a good career path?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare is a growing sector that needs skilled managers who can steer organizations through complex regulatory and financial landscapes. The BLS projects that medical and health services managers will experience a whopping 28% annual job growth from 2022-2032 — almost 10 times faster than the national average of 3%.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is healthcare management difficult?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare management is challenging, but many students thrive in their studies with discipline and commitment. Understand your own skills, improvement areas, and professional goals, then find a program that can help you meet your educational and professional objectives.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]