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Provider Contracting Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with the Contracting team to ensure provider enrollments align with executed payer agreements and contract effective dates. * Assist in coordinating payer implementations for newly ...

Must provide professional customer service and communicate effectively * Must maintain accurate ... independent contractor with MCSW Capital Enterprises LLC while providing contracted courier ...

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Provider Contracting information

See Illinois salary details

$62.2K

$80.3K

$131.2K

How much do provider contracting jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for provider contracting in Illinois is $80,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is provider contracting?

Provider contracting is the process by which healthcare organizations, such as insurance companies or health plans, establish agreements with medical providers, such as hospitals, physicians, and clinics. These contracts outline the terms of service, payment rates, and responsibilities for both parties. The goal is to ensure that patients have access to a network of qualified providers at agreed-upon costs, while providers receive timely and consistent reimbursement for their services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a provider contracting specialist?

To thrive as a Provider Contracting Specialist, you need strong negotiation skills, analytical abilities, and a background in healthcare administration or business, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with contract management software, claims processing systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure effective contract negotiations, compliance with regulations, and the development of strong provider networks that benefit both patients and organizations.

What are some common challenges faced in a provider contracting role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Provider Contracting often encounter challenges such as negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, keeping up with evolving healthcare regulations, and balancing provider expectations with organizational goals. Effective management of these challenges requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as staying current on industry trends and compliance requirements. Building collaborative relationships with providers and internal teams, maintaining clear documentation, and leveraging data analytics can help streamline the contracting process and achieve successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Provider Contracting vs Provider Relations Specialist?

AspectProvider ContractingProvider Relations Specialist
Primary FocusNegotiating and managing provider contractsBuilding and maintaining provider relationships
ResponsibilitiesContract negotiations, rate setting, complianceProvider communication, issue resolution, outreach
Required SkillsNegotiation, understanding of contracts, industry regulationsCommunication, customer service, relationship management
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, healthcare organizations, insurance companies

Provider Contracting focuses on negotiating and managing provider agreements, ensuring compliance and optimal rates. In contrast, Provider Relations Specialists prioritize maintaining strong provider relationships, addressing concerns, and facilitating communication. Both roles are essential in healthcare administration but serve different functions within the provider network.

What are the most commonly searched types of Provider Contracting jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Provider Contracting jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Provider Contracting jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Provider Contracting job openings:

Infographic showing various Provider Contracting job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,311 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Provider Contracting Lead Analyst - Cigna Healthcare - Hybrid/Illinois

Cigna

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Cigna Healthcare rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 241 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The work location for this role is Chicago, IL with a 3 day/week in-office hybrid schedule.

This position serves as an integral member of the Provider Contracting Team and reports to the Contracting Director. This role assists in day to day contracting and network management activities for a given territory within Illinois.


Responsibilities:

  • Negotiate commercial contracts with physician and ancillary groups with manager and senior teammate oversight.

  • Perform detailed financial modeling and analysis related to provider contracts to exceed planned timing and performance expectations.

  • Efficiently leverage complex internal systems and processes to support provider contract administration.

  • Use strong verbal and written communication to strengthen provider relationships and contribute as a valued member of the external facing relationship management team.

  • Establish, develop, and maintain relationships.Within your assigned market, you'll be expected to cultivate relationships with providers, both current and prospective. You will build and maintain relationships that nurture provider partnerships to support the local market strategy.

  • Understand the interrelationships and competitive landscape of the providers in your geographic area.

  • Understand the dynamics of provider networks.Support strategic positioning for provider contracting, assist in the development of Commercial networks and help to identify opportunities for greater value-orientation.

  • Be a team player.Work closely with a variety of internal and external individuals to accomplish your goals, including your Manager, Provider Service, Provider Data Management, Fee Schedule Management, Regional Director, Legal, Network Analytics, Compliance and Sales

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred. Significant industry experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor degree.

  • 1-3 years in Provider Contracting, Network Operations or Pricing Required.

  • Highly motivated, confident, energetic, and positive attitude

  • Strong communication and presentation skills, along with listening ability

  • Strong analytic skills and financial acumen

  • Willing and able to take initiative and is results-oriented

  • Effective critical thinking, problem-solving and influencing skills

  • Exceptional work ethic, willing and eagerness to succeed - a proven self-starter

  • A high degree of honesty and integrity

  • Ability to collaborate with others

  • Goal-oriented and career-minded

  • Exceptional customer service standards and delivery

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

  • Ability to prioritize projects and to handle multiple demands simultaneously

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office


If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 92,000 - 153,300 USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.

This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan.


At The Cigna Group, you'll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you'll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k), company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year, paid holidays, and leaves of absence. For more details on our employee benefits programs, click here.


About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the online application process, please email seeyourself@thecignagroup.com for assistance. Please note that this email inbox is dedicated to accommodation requests only and cannot provide application updates or accept resumes.

The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the right not to hire tobacco/nicotine users in states where that is legally permissible. Candidates in such states who use tobacco/nicotine will not be considered for employment unless they enter a qualifying smoking cessation program prior to the start of their employment. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington State.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.


What Cigna Healthcare employees say

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About Cigna

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cigna Corporation exists to improve lives. We are a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Together, with colleagues around the world, we aspire to transform health services, making them more affordable and accessible to millions. Through our unmatched expertise, bold action, fresh ideas and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, we are a force of health services innovation. When you work with us, or one of our subsidiaries, you'll enjoy meaningful career experiences that enrich people's lives.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bloomfield, CT, US

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