How much does a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse make?
Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses care for patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses that need constant nursing care. They have a rewarding job, and their efforts are shown in their salaries. On average, they make about $107,117 per year. This salary reflects their skills and the important work they do.
Salary can change based on many factors. These include the city or state where they work, their experience, and the kind of healthcare facility. For example, some nurses in big cities make more than those in smaller towns. Also, nurses with more experience often earn more. The type of hospital can make a difference too. Large teaching hospitals and medical centers may offer higher wages. Even though the average salary is a good benchmark, individual salaries can vary widely.
What are the highest paying cities for a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?

-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $174,692
In Vallejo, working as a nurse in intensive care offers a stable career with a strong community focus. Local hospitals like Kaiser Permanente provide comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $168,086
Santa Rosa's healthcare sector values skilled ICU nurses highly. Nurses benefit from a supportive environment and access to cutting-edge technology at places like Sutter Health.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $166,640
San Francisco presents a dynamic work environment for ICU nurses. The city’s healthcare facilities, such as UCSF Health, emphasize innovation and patient care excellence.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $150,840
In San Jose, ICU nurses enjoy a vibrant community and access to top-tier medical technology. Employers like El Camino Hospital prioritize professional development and work-life balance.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $145,149
Sacramento offers a rewarding experience for ICU nurses, with a strong emphasis on community health. The region's hospitals, including Kaiser Permanente, provide supportive work environments.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $140,829
San Diego’s healthcare system values critical care expertise. Nurses find fulfilling work at institutions like Scripps Health, known for their commitment to patient care.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $133,547
Los Angeles provides numerous opportunities for ICU nurses, with a diverse patient population. Hospitals like Cedars-Sinai offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $132,862
In Syracuse, ICU nurses enjoy a supportive work culture. The area’s medical centers, including St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, focus on patient-centered care.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Syracuse, NY
-
New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $131,656
New Haven offers a fulfilling career for ICU nurses with prestigious hospitals like Yale New Haven Hospital. The city's academic environment enhances professional growth.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in New Haven, CT
-
Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $129,786
Worcester’s healthcare facilities value skilled ICU nurses. UMass Memorial Health provides a nurturing environment with opportunities for professional advancement.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Worcester, MA
What are the best companies a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse can work for?

-
UC Davis Health
Average Salary: $172,920
UC Davis Health offers competitive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. They have locations in Sacramento, California, and Davis, California. They provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
-
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $172,902
Sutter Health is known for its high-paying ICU Registered Nurse positions. Their facilities are located throughout Northern California. They offer comprehensive benefits and a supportive work environment.
-
Clinical Management Consultants
Average Salary: $151,355
Clinical Management Consultants offers attractive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. They help place nurses in top hospitals across the United States. They focus on career growth and professional development.
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Average Salary: $143,469
Oregon Health & Science University provides competitive wages for ICU Registered Nurses. They operate in Portland, Oregon. They emphasize research and advanced medical practices.
-
Atlas Search
Average Salary: $142,320
Atlas Search places ICU Registered Nurses in high-paying jobs. They work nationwide. They offer excellent benefits and a supportive recruitment process.
-
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $138,577
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers strong salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. Located in New York City, they provide top-notch medical care and professional growth opportunities.
-
Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $134,416
Mount Sinai Health System provides competitive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. They are based in New York City. They offer extensive training and development programs.
-
Global Technical Talent
Average Salary: $133,765
Global Technical Talent places ICU Registered Nurses in various high-paying positions across the United States. They focus on career advancement and offer comprehensive support.
-
Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $132,983
Kaiser Permanente offers competitive wages for ICU Registered Nurses. They have locations throughout the western United States. They focus on patient care and professional development.
-
MultiCare Health System
Average Salary: $131,330
MultiCare Health System offers attractive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. They operate in Washington state. They emphasize a healthy work-life balance and career growth.
How to earn more as a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurses play a vital role in patient care, often in high-pressure environments. To earn more in this field, consider focusing on a few key strategies. Gaining experience in different areas of ICU care can lead to higher pay. Specializing in high-demand ICU sub-specialties such as cardiac care or neurology can also increase earning potential. Further education and certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions and roles with more responsibilities.
Work environments can greatly affect earning potential. Hospitals in urban areas and those with advanced medical technologies often offer higher salaries. Seeking out institutions recognized for excellence in ICU care can provide better compensation. Additionally, taking on leadership roles within the ICU or pursuing advanced practice roles can lead to significant salary increases. Continuous professional development and networking within the medical community can provide opportunities for higher-paying jobs.
Consider the following factors to maximize earnings:
- Gain experience in diverse ICU settings
- Specialize in high-demand ICU sub-specialties
- Pursue further education and certifications
- Choose institutions in high-paying areas
- Take on leadership or advanced practice roles



