How much does a Patient Advocate make?
Patient advocates play a crucial role in the healthcare system. They help patients navigate the complexities of medical care and insurance. The average yearly salary for a patient advocate is around $45,401. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
The salary range for patient advocates can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn about $30,860 per year. The highest 10% earn over $90,000 annually. Most patient advocates fall somewhere in the middle, earning between $36,320 and $85,465 each year. This range shows that with more experience and skills, patient advocates can earn a good living.
What are the highest paying cities for a Patient Advocate?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $63,400
In San Francisco, professionals in healthcare support roles help patients navigate complex medical systems. Many work with top-tier hospitals like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city's tech-savvy environment makes it easy to use digital tools for patient care.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $62,404
Santa Rosa offers a community-focused approach to healthcare. Advocates here often work with local health providers like Sutter Health. The city's smaller size allows for close relationships with patients and healthcare teams.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $62,012
New Haven provides a strong network of healthcare services. Advocates often collaborate with Yale New Haven Health. The city's academic setting offers many opportunities for professional development and training.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $61,776
Baltimore's healthcare system is robust, with many opportunities for advocates. Working with Johns Hopkins Medicine and other local hospitals, professionals here play a key role in patient care. The city's diverse population adds to the variety of experiences.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $61,242
Boston is a hub for medical innovation. Advocates here often work with prestigious institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital. The city's rich history in healthcare offers many learning opportunities. Networking with other professionals is also easy.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $61,114
Detroit offers a unique healthcare environment. Advocates work with major healthcare providers like Henry Ford Health. The city's commitment to improving healthcare access creates many opportunities for impactful work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $60,452
San Diego provides a vibrant healthcare scene. Advocates here often work with Scripps Health and other local providers. The city's focus on wellness and healthy living enhances the role of patient support.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $56,486
Los Angeles offers a diverse healthcare landscape. Advocates work with large health systems like Cedars-Sinai. The city's multicultural environment enriches the patient care experience. Many opportunities exist for career growth and specialization.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $56,156
Worcester has a strong community focus on healthcare. Advocates often work with UMass Memorial Health. The city's smaller size allows for close patient interactions and strong community ties.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $55,444
Charleston offers a supportive healthcare environment. Advocates work with MUSC Health and other local providers. The city's emphasis on patient-centered care creates a rewarding work experience.
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What are the best companies a Patient Advocate can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $80,967
Sutter Health offers Patient Advocate jobs with a focus on patient care and support. They work in various locations across California, providing excellent care and support to patients.
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Centene
Average Salary: $80,150
Centene provides Patient Advocate jobs with a strong emphasis on patient care and support. They operate in multiple states, offering a range of healthcare services to patients.
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Sodexo
Average Salary: $75,230
Sodexo offers Patient Advocate jobs with a focus on patient care and support. They work in various locations, providing excellent care and support to patients.
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proactive md
Average Salary: $66,808
proactive md provides Patient Advocate jobs with a focus on patient care and support. They operate in multiple locations, offering a range of healthcare services to patients.
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Firstsource Solutions
Average Salary: $65,483
Firstsource Solutions offers Patient Advocate jobs with a strong emphasis on patient care and support. They work in various locations, providing excellent care and support to patients.
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Morrison Healthcare
Average Salary: $63,476
Morrison Healthcare provides Patient Advocate jobs with a focus on patient care and support. They operate in multiple locations, offering a range of healthcare services to patients.
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Optum
Average Salary: $59,769
Optum offers Patient Advocate jobs with a strong emphasis on patient care and support. They work in various locations, providing excellent care and support to patients.
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North American Partners in Anesthesia
Average Salary: $59,582
North American Partners in Anesthesia provides Patient Advocate jobs with a focus on patient care and support. They operate in multiple locations, offering a range of healthcare services to patients.
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Banner Health
Average Salary: $58,463
Banner Health offers Patient Advocate jobs with a strong emphasis on patient care and support. They work in various locations, providing excellent care and support to patients.
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Crothall Healthcare
Average Salary: $58,410
Crothall Healthcare provides Patient Advocate jobs with a focus on patient care and support. They operate in multiple locations, offering a range of healthcare services to patients.
How to earn more as a Patient Advocate?
A Patient Advocate plays a crucial role in helping patients navigate the healthcare system. This role involves supporting patients through medical decisions, coordinating care, and ensuring they receive the best possible treatment. To earn more in this rewarding field, consider these key factors that can boost your income and career satisfaction.
First, gaining specialized certifications can significantly increase earning potential. Certifications such as Certified Patient Advocate (CPA) or Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) demonstrate expertise and commitment to the profession. These credentials can make a candidate more attractive to employers and open up higher-paying job opportunities. Second, expanding your skill set to include areas like medical billing, insurance navigation, and patient education can also lead to higher earnings. These additional skills make a Patient Advocate more versatile and valuable to healthcare providers. Third, gaining experience in high-demand areas such as oncology, geriatrics, or mental health can lead to higher-paying positions. These specialized fields often require more intensive care and advocacy, which can command higher salaries. Fourth, pursuing advanced degrees or additional training in healthcare management or social work can also lead to higher income levels. These qualifications can position a Patient Advocate for leadership roles or specialized positions that offer better compensation. Finally, networking and building strong professional relationships can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other healthcare professionals can open doors to new and better-paying positions.
Consider these factors to enhance your career as a Patient Advocate and increase your earning potential. With the right certifications, skills, and experience, you can make a significant impact in the lives of patients and achieve greater financial success.
- Specialized Certifications: Obtain certifications like CPA or CHAA to boost your credentials.
- Expanded Skills: Learn skills in medical billing, insurance navigation, and patient education.
- Specialized Experience: Gain experience in high-demand areas such as oncology or geriatrics.
- Advanced Education: Pursue advanced degrees or training in healthcare management or social work.
- Networking: Build professional relationships through conferences and organizations.