How much does a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse make?
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurses play a vital role in hospitals. They care for patients who need close supervision and intensive treatment. This important job comes with a competitive salary. On average, an ICU Registered Nurse earns about $110,558 each year. This salary can change based on several factors.
Several factors can influence the salary of an ICU Registered Nurse. These include years of experience, location, and type of hospital. For instance, nurses with more years in the field usually earn higher salaries. Also, certain states or cities may offer better pay due to higher living costs. Working at a top-tier hospital can also lead to higher income. Understanding these factors can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths.
What are the highest paying cities for a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $179,071
In San Francisco, a Registered Nurse works in cutting-edge hospitals and clinics. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent environments for growth. Nurses benefit from advanced training and teamwork.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $171,228
Santa Rosa offers a chance to work in a family-friendly community. Sutter Health and Adventist Health are key employers. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment with strong teamwork.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $168,167
Sacramento's healthcare sector is thriving, with positions at Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health. This city provides a balance of professional growth and a welcoming atmosphere. Nurses can expect a dynamic work setting.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $152,040
In San Diego, Registered Nurses work in a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and strong economy. Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health offer great opportunities. Nurses here enjoy a mix of challenging cases and supportive colleagues.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $149,499
San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a unique blend of tech and healthcare. Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent platforms for career growth. Nurses can expect innovative practices and a collaborative work culture.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $136,223
Wichita offers a warm community with strong healthcare facilities. Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi St. Francis are prominent employers. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $134,413
Working in Honolulu offers a unique island experience. The Queen's Medical Center and Straub Medical Center are key employers. Nurses can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while providing top-notch care in a beautiful setting.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $134,352
Nashville's healthcare scene is growing, with HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center leading the way. This city offers a mix of modern medicine and southern hospitality. Nurses can expect a rewarding work environment.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $132,674
Las Vegas offers a vibrant and fast-paced work environment. Employers like University Medical Center and MountainView Hospital provide dynamic settings. Nurses here enjoy a lively city life with many opportunities for career advancement.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $131,634
Los Angeles offers a diverse and bustling environment. Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health are prominent healthcare providers. Nurses enjoy a variety of cases and a supportive work culture in this dynamic city.
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What are the best companies a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $189,418
Sutter Health offers rewarding careers in Intensive Care Unit Registered Nursing. They operate across Northern California, providing top-notch patient care. Their facilities include various locations in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Sacramento. Nurses here work in state-of-the-art environments, supporting life-saving care.
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Prolink
Average Salary: $154,304
Prolink is known for its diverse range of opportunities in Intensive Care Unit Registered Nursing. They work with healthcare facilities nationwide, offering nurses the chance to gain valuable experience. Locations include major cities and rural areas, providing a varied work environment.
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Pinnacle Alliances
Average Salary: $142,667
At Pinnacle Alliances, Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses find a supportive work environment. This company works with healthcare providers across the country, offering excellent career growth. Their facilities are located in urban and suburban settings, ensuring diverse experiences.
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Mass General Brigham
Average Salary: $142,560
Mass General Brigham provides a prestigious career path for Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses. They operate in Massachusetts, offering world-class medical care. Their facilities include Boston and its surrounding areas, known for their advanced medical technology.
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Providence
Average Salary: $137,431
Providence offers Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses a chance to work in a respected healthcare system. They operate in several states, including Oregon and California. Their facilities are known for their commitment to quality care and patient safety.
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EvergreenHealth
Average Salary: $134,843
At EvergreenHealth, Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses find fulfilling careers in a supportive environment. They operate in Washington State, offering comprehensive care. Their facilities are located in the greater Seattle area, known for their excellent healthcare services.
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Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $132,514
Amergis Healthcare Staffing provides Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses with numerous opportunities nationwide. They partner with various healthcare facilities, offering diverse work experiences. Locations span multiple states, ensuring varied professional growth.
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InfiCare Staffing
Average Salary: $130,722
InfiCare Staffing is a top choice for Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses seeking dynamic roles. They work with healthcare providers across the nation, offering diverse opportunities. Their facilities include both urban and rural areas, ensuring varied experiences.
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St. John's Riverside Hospital
Average Salary: $125,642
St. John's Riverside Hospital offers rewarding careers for Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses. They operate in the New York City area, providing top-quality patient care. Their facilities are known for their compassionate approach and advanced medical services.
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HealthTrust Workforce Solutions
Average Salary: $121,550
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions provides Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses with excellent career opportunities. They partner with healthcare facilities across the country, offering varied experiences. Their locations include both urban and suburban settings.
How to earn more as a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?
Becoming an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (ICU RN) can be a rewarding career path. Those who excel in this role often find opportunities to earn more through various avenues. Expanding skills and experience can lead to higher salaries and job satisfaction. Here are some ways an ICU RN can increase their earnings.
First, gaining additional certifications can boost an ICU RN's salary. Specialized certifications in critical care nursing can demonstrate a higher level of expertise. These certifications can make an RN more valuable to employers, leading to higher pay. Second, pursuing a master's degree in nursing can open doors to advanced practice roles. These roles, such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, often come with higher pay. Third, working in high-demand areas can also lead to better compensation. Locations with a shortage of ICU RNs often offer sign-on bonuses and higher wages. Fourth, seeking out leadership positions can increase earning potential. Taking on roles such as a nurse manager or charge nurse can lead to higher salaries. Lastly, considering travel nursing can provide both higher pay and the chance to work in different locations. Many travel nursing agencies offer competitive salaries and benefits packages.
Exploring these options can help an ICU RN maximize their earnings. By investing in education, gaining certifications, and seeking out advanced roles, an RN can enhance their career and income.
For those interested in earning more, these steps can be a solid starting point. Each of these factors offers a pathway to increased financial rewards and professional growth.
- Gain additional certifications in critical care nursing.
- Pursue a master’s degree in nursing to qualify for advanced practice roles.
- Consider working in high-demand areas that offer higher wages and bonuses.
- Seek leadership positions such as nurse manager or charge nurse.
- Explore travel nursing opportunities for competitive salaries.



