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Patient Referral Coordinator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Patient Referral Coordinator I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Referral Coordinator I in the United States is $44,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Patient Referral Coordinator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,470
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,700 to $49,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,333
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Patient Referral Coordinator I Salaries

A Patient Referral Coordinator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Patient Referral Coordinator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Patient Referral Coordinator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Patient Admissions Clerk (0-1 years): $39,692
  • Patient Referral Coordinator I (1-3 years): $44,299
  • Insurance Verification Specialist II (3-5 years): $49,475
  • Hospital Admitting Supervisor (5+ years): $56,899
  • Hospital Admitting Manager (5+ years): $86,987
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Patient Admissions Clerk0-1 years$39,692
Patient Referral Coordinator I1-3 years$44,299
Insurance Verification Specialist II3-5 years$49,475
Hospital Admitting Supervisor5+ years$56,899
Hospital Admitting Manager5+ years$86,987
View as Graph

How Do Patient Referral Coordinator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Patient Referral Coordinator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,100.
  • California: $48,900.
  • Massachusetts: $48,300.

Top Paying Cities for Patient Referral Coordinator Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $55,900
  • San Francisco: $55,300
  • Oakland: $54,100

What Skills Can Increase a Patient Referral Coordinator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • HIPAA (Mentioned in 2.79% Job Postings): The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge.
  • Medical Billing (Mentioned in 1.74% Job Postings): Medical billing is a payment practice within the United States health system. The process involves a healthcare provider submitting, following up on, and appealing claims with health insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered; such as testing, treatments, and procedures. The same process is used for most insurance companies, whether they are private companies or government sponsored programs: Medical coding reports what the diagnosis and treatment were, and prices are applied accordingly. Medical billers are encouraged, but not required by law, to become certified by taking an exam such as the CMRS Exam, RHIA Exam, CPB Exam and others. Certification schools are intended to provide a theoretical grounding for students entering the medical billing field. Some community colleges in the United States offer certificates, or even associate degrees, in the field. Those seeking advancement may be cross-trained in medical coding or transcription or auditing, and may earn a bachelor's or graduate degree in medical information science and technology.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10%
HIPAA 2.79%
Medical Billing 1.74%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Patient Referral Coordinator I's salary.

  • Prospecting: Can increase your salary by up to 29%.
  • Retail Banking: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Community Health: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Prospecting $57,147
29%
Retail Banking $46,958
6%
Community Health $46,515
5%
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Patient Referral Coordinator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Patient Referral Coordinator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,753. While startup companies pay approximate $40,515.

Patient Referral Coordinator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $40,515
Growth Stage 51~500 $42,825
Established 501~5000 $46,134
Enterprise 5000+ $47,753

Patient Referral Coordinator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Patient Referral Coordinator I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Patient Referral Coordinator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Patient Referral Coordinator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Patient Referral Coordinator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$48,730$23.010%

How Education impacts a Patient Referral Coordinator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Patient Referral Coordinator Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Patient Referral Coordinator I with a Associate's Degree is between $42,378 and $44,464).

Patient Referral Coordinator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Patient Referral Coordinator I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 57.5%
High School 57.5%
Associates 21.7%
Bachelors 13.3%
Masters 7.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Patient Referral Coordinator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Patient Referral Coordinator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$41,700
Average $44,300/year
$49,100
$3,475
Average $3,692/month
$4,092
$802
Average $852/week
$944
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,100 $4,092 $944 $24
Average $44,300 $3,692 $852 $21
25th Percentile $41,700 $3,475 $802 $20

Patient Referral Coordinator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Patient Referral Coordinator I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Patient Referral Coordinator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Insurance Verification Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $49,500 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Patient Referral Coordinator I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Patient Referral Coordinator I

Here are companies hiring for Patient Referral Coordinator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Patient Referral Coordinator I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Patient Referral Coordinator I?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Patient Referral Coordinator I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How many years of experience do you need to be a coordinator?

To be a Patient Referral Coordinator, three to five years of experience in coordinating large-scale events and leading a team is required. The salary for this position ranges from $41,000 to $49,900, with a midpoint of $44,500. This reflects the value of experience and expertise in managing patient referrals effectively.

3. Is being a referral coordinator hard?

Being a Patient Referral Coordinator can be challenging due to the urgency of medical referrals and the need for timely patient care. However, the role offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment when patients successfully navigate the healthcare system. Salaries for this position range from $41,000 to $49,900, with a midpoint of $44,500, reflecting the importance of the role.

4. What is the next level after a coordinator?

The most common career steps after a Patient Referral Coordinator include roles such as Patient Services Manager, Healthcare Administrator, and Referral Manager. These positions typically offer salaries ranging from $41,000 to $49,900, with a midpoint around $44,500, reflecting the increased responsibilities and expertise required in these advanced roles.

5. What does a patient recruitment coordinator do?

A Patient Referral Coordinator manages incoming calls and messages from current and potential patients, documenting effectively in portals. Your strong communication skills and ability to engage with a diverse patient population are crucial for enhancing the clinical trial experience. The salary for this role ranges from $41,000 to $49,900, with a midpoint of $44,500.

6. Is a patient coordinator a good job?

A Patient Referral Coordinator can be a rewarding job for those who enjoy helping others navigate their healthcare options. With a salary range from $41,000 to $49,900, this role offers competitive compensation. It's an excellent fit for individuals passionate about patient care and support, making a positive impact in the healthcare system.

7. What is the highest salary of a coordinator?

The highest salary for a Patient Referral Coordinator is $49,900. The salary range typically falls between $41,000 and $44,500, with the majority of coordinators earning within this spectrum. This data reflects the current market for this role, highlighting the earning potential in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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