How much does a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse make?
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurses care for patients who are very ill. This role requires special skills and often takes place in busy, fast-paced environments. ICU Registered Nurses earn a good income for their efforts. The average yearly salary for an ICU Registered Nurse is about $106,901. This is higher than the average for all registered nurses.
Salaries can vary based on several factors. Here are some common influences on how much an ICU Registered Nurse earns:
- Experience: More years in the field often lead to higher pay.
- Location: Some cities pay nurses more than others.
- Education: Advanced degrees or certifications can lead to higher salaries.
- Hospital Type: Larger or specialized hospitals may offer better pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?

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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $174,692
In Vallejo, registered nurses working in intensive care units can expect rewarding work at Kaiser Permanente. They collaborate with a skilled team, providing critical care to patients. The city's focus on healthcare makes it a good place for professional growth.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $169,810
Santa Rosa offers a vibrant environment for ICU nurses at top facilities like Sutter Medical Center. Nurses here manage complex cases and enjoy a supportive work culture. The city's commitment to healthcare excellence supports career advancement.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $164,196
San Francisco's renowned healthcare institutions, such as UCSF Medical Center, provide ICU nurses with diverse experiences. They handle a variety of cases, working with a diverse patient population. The city's dynamic healthcare scene is ideal for professional development.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $150,754
San Jose provides ICU nurses with opportunities at Stanford Health Care. They work in a cutting-edge environment, managing high-tech medical equipment. The city's reputation for innovation benefits nursing careers.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $144,256
In Sacramento, registered nurses in intensive care can find fulfilling work at UC Davis Medical Center. They collaborate with a dynamic team, providing critical care. The city's commitment to healthcare supports a rewarding career path.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $143,344
Stockton offers a caring environment for ICU nurses at St. Joseph's Medical Center. They work in a supportive setting, providing essential care to patients. The city's focus on community healthcare creates a positive work environment.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $141,523
San Diego provides a vibrant setting for ICU nurses at Scripps Health. They work in a dynamic environment, managing complex patient care. The city's renowned healthcare facilities support professional growth.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $133,797
New Haven offers a nurturing environment for ICU nurses at Yale New Haven Hospital. They work in a supportive setting, providing high-quality care. The city's commitment to healthcare excellence benefits nursing careers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $131,732
Los Angeles provides ICU nurses with opportunities at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. They work in a high-tech environment, managing complex cases. The city's diverse patient population offers varied experiences.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $130,920
Worcester offers a supportive environment for ICU nurses at UMass Memorial Medical Center. They work in a collaborative setting, providing critical care. The city's focus on healthcare supports a rewarding career.
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What are the best companies a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse can work for?

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UC Davis Health
Average Salary: $173,706
UC Davis Health in California offers Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse jobs with top pay. Nurses work in a state-of-the-art medical center providing advanced care. Locations include Sacramento and other areas in California.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $173,407
Sutter Health in Northern California provides excellent ICU Registered Nurse positions. These roles come with competitive salaries and benefits. Sutter operates in regions like Sacramento, San Francisco, and more.
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Clinical Management Consultants
Average Salary: $151,337
Clinical Management Consultants specialize in connecting ICU Registered Nurses with top employers. They offer roles in various locations across the U.S. with attractive compensation packages.
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Atlas Search
Average Salary: $142,320
Atlas Search places ICU Registered Nurses in leading hospitals nationwide. They focus on high-quality placements and fair salaries. The company operates in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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Mass General Brigham
Average Salary: $141,392
Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts offers rewarding ICU Registered Nurse positions. Nurses work in one of the top hospitals in Boston, providing exceptional patient care.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $137,947
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City offers excellent ICU Registered Nurse jobs. Nurses are part of a leading healthcare provider, serving patients in state-of-the-art facilities.
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Winston Resources
Average Salary: $136,226
Winston Resources recruits ICU Registered Nurses for top hospitals across the nation. They offer competitive pay and professional growth opportunities. Locations include major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $134,503
Kaiser Permanente in California provides ICU Registered Nurse roles with solid salaries. Nurses work in cutting-edge medical centers in regions like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.
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Global Technical Talent
Average Salary: $133,765
Global Technical Talent connects ICU Registered Nurses with top-tier employers worldwide. They focus on international placements, offering competitive salaries and benefits.
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Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $133,530
Greenstaff Medical offers ICU Registered Nurse jobs with competitive salaries in the U.S. and internationally. Nurses benefit from comprehensive support and professional development.
How to earn more as a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?
An Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (ICU RN) plays a critical role in patient care, often in high-stress environments. This career path can be both rewarding and demanding. To maximize earnings in this field, there are several factors to consider. Each step taken towards these factors can lead to higher pay and job satisfaction.
Firstly, gaining more experience is key. ICU RNs who work in this specialty for several years often see higher salaries. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest medical practices can set an RN apart. Another factor is obtaining additional certifications. Specializing in areas like critical care or trauma nursing can open up higher-paying opportunities. Continuing education also plays a vital role. Many employers offer higher wages to nurses who pursue further education, such as a Master’s degree in nursing. Location is another important factor. Certain regions or cities offer higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for healthcare services. Lastly, working in a higher-level position, such as a nurse manager or educator, can significantly increase income.
Investing time and effort in these areas can lead to a more fulfilling career and a higher salary. By focusing on these factors, an ICU RN can earn more and advance in their career.
- Gain more experience
- Obtain additional certifications
- Pursue further education
- Choose a high-paying location
- Aim for a higher-level position



