An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse provides care to critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and life-saving interventions. They work in high-acuity settings such as a medical, surgical, trauma, cardiac or neuro ICU. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, neurological status, and hemodynamics. They also manage ventilator care, administer medications, monitor hemodynamics, and respond to emergencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than other occupations. The demand for ICU nurses is expected to grow due an aging population, increase in chronic illness, and the need for specialized critical care.

Top 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for ICU RN Jobs in the US

The salary for an ICU nurse is influenced by the demand for nurses, the cost of living, and regional economic conditions. According to Nurse.org, the highest and lowest paying states for ICU RNs are as follows:

Top 5 Highest Paying States for ICU RNs:

1. California

2. Hawaii

3. Oregon

4. Washington

5. Alaska

Top 5 Lowest Paying States for ICU RNs:

1. Alabama

2. South Dakota

3. Mississippi

4. Iowa

5. Arkansas

The state salary data varies between sources.

Historical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary Median


** Chart from https://www.zippia.com/salaries/intensive-care-unit-nurse/#salary-history-line-chart

Median salary, Entry-level salary, Average salary

Like other nurses, the median salary for an ICU nurse in the U.S. is influenced by their experience, location, and employing institution. An entry-level salary for those starting their career is around $74,569 annually. Salaries increase with experience. Nurses with 5-8 years of experience can earn around $92,499. The average salary of an ICU RN ranges from $75,000 to $120,000 per year. Those with an advanced certification like a CCRN can earn more.

A traveling ICU nurse will receive a higher hourly rate because of their temporary job status. The average salary for a travel ICU nurse can range from $104,000 (25th percentile) and $143,000 (75th percentile), with the top nurses earning up to $162,500. 

Average ICU RN Salary by State (for non-traveling)

StateAnnual SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Wage
Alabama$71,579$1,376$34.41
Alaska$82,944$1,595$39.88
Arizona$84,435$1,623$40.59
Arkansas$76,326$1,467$36.70
California$106,231$2,042$51.07
Colorado$68,752$1,322$33.05
Connecticut$100,335$1,929$48.24
Delaware$105,612$2,031$50.77
Florida$71,199$1,369$34.23
Georgia$84,869$1,632$40.80
Hawaii$87,931$1,690$42.27
Idaho$71,003$1,365$34.14
Illinois$87,906$1,690$42.26
Indiana$66,869$1,285$32.15
Iowa$74,349$1,429$35.74
Kansas$72,933$1,402$35.06
Kentucky$77,249$1,485$37.14
Louisiana$71,075$1,366$34.17
Maine$63,470$1,220$30.51
Maryland$78,857$1,516$37.91
Massachusetts$101,274$1,947$48.69
Michigan$80,285$1,543$38.60
Minnesota$96,610$1,857$46.45
Mississippi$55,753$1,072$26.80
Missouri$75,274$1,447$36.19
Montana$83,930$1,614$40.35
Nebraska$56,108$1,079$26.98
Nevada$106,451$2,047$51.18
New Hampshire$80,701$1,551$38.80
New Jersey$83,571$1,727$40.18
New Mexico$88,370$1,699$42.49
New York$90,382$1,738$43.45
North Carolina$81,446$1,566$39.16
North Dakota$95,309$1,832$45.82
Ohio$72,530$1,394$34.87
Oklahoma$80,496$1,548$38.70
Oregon$101,487$1,951$48.79
Pennsylvania$82,567$1,587$39.70
Rhode Island$92,991$1,788$44.71
South Carolina$73,901$1,421$35.53
South Dakota$72,499$1,394$34.86
Tennessee$76,180$1,465$36.63
Texas$72,816$1,400$35.01
Utah$99,356$1,910$47.77
Vermont$76,187$1,465$36.63
Virginia$76,063$1,462$36.57
Washington$95,055$1,827$45.70
West Virginia$76,827$1,477$36.94
Wisconsin$89,497$1,721$43.03
Wyoming$95,693$1,840$46.01

**Data from Zippia

Average ICU RN Job Salary by State (for traveling)

StateAnnual SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Wage
Alabama$114,354$2,199$54.98
Alaska$135,872$2,612$65.32
Arizona$117,571$2,260$56.52
Arkansas$104,326$2,006$50.16
California$124,512$2,394$59.86
Colorado$132,664$2,551$63.78
Connecticut$120,018$2,308$57.70
Delaware$126,273$2,428$60.71
Florida$94,281$1,813$45.33
Georgia$106,531$2,048$51.22
Hawaii$131,079$2,520$63.02
Idaho$118,707$2,282$57.07
Illinois$122,256$2,351$58.78
Indiana$120,053$2,308$57.72
Iowa$118,502$2,278$56.97
Kansas$112,519$2,163$54.10
Kentucky$109,577$2,107$52.68
Louisiana$107,886$2,074$51.87
Maine$122,152$2,349$58.73
Maryland$122,447$2,354$58.87
Massachusetts$137,787$2,649$66.24
Michigan$109,964$2,114$52.87
Minnesota$123,567$2,376$59.41
Mississippi$119,486$2,297$57.45
Missouri$118,342$2,275$56.90
Montana$115,799$2,226$55.67
Nebraska$120,291$2,313$57.83
Nevada$128,474$2,470$61.77
New Hampshire$122,696$2,359$58.99
New Jersey$128,086$2,463$61.58
New Mexico$122,262$2,351$58.78
New York$138,028$2,654$66.36
North Carolina$114,658$2,204$55.12
North Dakota$133,492$2,567$64.18
Ohio$119,944$2,306$57.67
Oklahoma$116,492$2,240$56.01
Oregon$133,391$2,565$64.13
Pennsylvania$126,467$2,432$60.80
Rhode Island$123,554$2,376$59.40
South Carolina$117,075$2,251$56.29
South Dakota$126,164$2,426$60.66
Tennessee$114,509$2,202$55.05
Texas$117,541$2,260$56.51
Utah$114,856$2,208$55.22
Vermont$134,144$2,579$64.49
Virginia$125,082$2,405$60.14
Washington$142,893$2,747$68.70
West Virginia$97,672$1,878$46.96
Wisconsin$127,344$2,448$61.22
Wyoming$121,272$2,332$58.30

Note: From ZipRecruiter

What is the average incentive bonus for an ICU RN Job?

The average bonus for an ICU RN can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and employer. Many ICU nurses can earn sign-on bonuses, bonuses for taking on more shifts or for filling staffing shortages. Sign-on bonuses can range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on demand in the area, facility and the level of experience required. ICU nurses may also be eligible for retention or performance-based bonuses. For extra shifts, ICU nurses may receive up to an extra of $50.00 per hour.

Employed vs. self-employed ICU RN Job

Salaries will vary between employed and self-employed ICU RNs. Employed RNs have a fixed, stable salary, health insurance, retirement plans, education reimbursement, and paid time off. They usually work for a hospital system and have less financial risk and less flexibility in scheduling.

 A self-employed or travel ICU RN will work independently through a staffing agency. They often have higher earning potential and flexibility; however, they must find their own jobs, and may/may not be provided with healthcare, liability coverage or a retirement plan. They may also have tax advantages if they properly manage expenses as a business entity.

How to do an effective ICU RN job search

We make it is easy to find an ICU RN position with PRNHealthcare. Use the position job search bar by searching “I am a RN” and select ICU as your specialty. Finally, use the location bar to select your state and city of choice.

Most common benefits for an ICU RN

Being an ICU RN comes with many professional and personal benefits including:

  • Job Security- ICU nurses will always be in demand due to the need for critical care.
  • Competitive Salary & Bonuses- ICU nurses earn higher salaries with an opportunity for overtime, shift differentials, and bonuses.
  • Specialized Skill Development- ICU RNs gain experience in in advanced life support, ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, and critical decision-making.
  • Work-Life Balance- Many ICUs offer 12-hour shifts with more days off and improved work-life balance.
  • Emotional Fulfillment- ICU nurses guide families through difficult medical decisions and have a meaningful impact on patient lives.
  • Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology-ICU nurses work with advanced medical equipment, including ECMO machines, ventilators, and cardiac monitors.
  • Strong Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking Skills– The fastpace of the ICU will sharpen one’s decision-making and adaptability.
  • Financial Benefits- Besides compensation, ICU nurses are provided with many types of insurance including health & life, retirement plans, bonuses, shift differentials, and PTO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of an ICU RN in the U.S.?

Salaries for ICU nurses vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer. The average ICU nurse salary is around $101,601 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $74,569 and experienced nurses earning up to $134,344 annually. (Numbers vary by source)

Do ICU nurses earn more than other RNs?

Yes, ICU nurses typically earn more than a general Registered Nurse (RN) due to their specialized skills, high-acuity patients, and the critical care environment they work in. The median annual salary for RNs across all specialties is between $65,000 – $100,000 compared to $75,000 – $120,000+ for ICU nurses.

How much do travel ICU nurses make?

Travel L&D nurses often earn higher wages due to the temporary and flexible nature of their assignments. Salary varies depending on location, demand, and the travel agency. According to ZipRecruiter, an ICU travel nurse can earn between $104,000 (25th percentile) and $162,500 (90th percentile), with an average annual salary of $126,164.

What factors influence an ICU nurse’s salary?

Several factors can impact an ICU nurse’s salary including experience, location, certifications, shift differentials, and employer type.

Do ICU nurses receive bonuses?

Yes, ICU nurses often receive bonuses. Like other medical professionals, the most common types of bonuses include sign-on, shift incentives, performance, and retention bonuses.