How much does a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse make?
Becoming an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse can be very rewarding. This career offers both emotional and financial benefits. The average yearly salary for an ICU Registered Nurse stands at around $108,339. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.
ICU nurses often handle the most critical and life-threatening situations. Their work requires both skill and compassion. This combination makes their role incredibly important and well-compensated. ICU nurses typically see higher salaries than other types of registered nurses. This reflects the demanding nature of their work and the high level of training they possess. They must be ready to act quickly and make important decisions every day.
What are the highest paying cities for a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?

-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $174,692
In Vallejo, California, nurses work in well-equipped facilities, providing critical care to patients. Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent support and advanced technology to enhance care.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $168,708
Santa Rosa, California, is home to skilled nurses who deliver top-tier care in modern healthcare settings. Sutter Health and other prominent institutions provide a supportive environment for professional growth.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $163,207
San Francisco, California, offers a dynamic environment for nurses to make a difference. UCSF Health and other major hospitals provide numerous opportunities for professional development and advanced care.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $150,754
San Jose, California, has a thriving healthcare sector with facilities like Stanford Health Care. Nurses here can expect to work with cutting-edge technology and a team of experienced professionals.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $147,755
Sacramento, California, features reputable hospitals such as UC Davis Health. Nurses here benefit from a supportive community and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $143,363
San Diego, California, is known for its exceptional healthcare services. Renowned institutions like Scripps Health offer a collaborative environment and advanced medical technology.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in San Diego, CA
-
New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $134,937
New Haven, Connecticut, offers a nurturing environment for nurses to thrive. Yale New Haven Hospital provides a rich setting for professional development and high-quality patient care.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in New Haven, CT
-
Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $132,127
Syracuse, New York, is home to skilled nurses who contribute to exceptional patient care. St. Joseph’s Health Hospital and other key institutions provide a supportive environment for growth.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Syracuse, NY
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $131,806
Los Angeles, California, is a bustling city with numerous opportunities for nurses. Hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health offer diverse experiences and advanced care options.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $129,168
Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a growing healthcare sector with facilities like Presbyterian Healthcare Services. Nurses here can expect a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Albuquerque, NM
What are the best companies a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse can work for?

-
UC Davis Health
Average Salary: $176,084
UC Davis Health offers rewarding Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse positions in Sacramento, California. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment, along with opportunities for professional growth. This top-tier healthcare system prides itself on innovative care and cutting-edge research.
-
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $175,757
At Sutter Health, ICU Registered Nurses in Northern California can expect competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Nurses benefit from a collaborative culture and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Sutter Health operates in several locations including San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.
-
Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $151,814
Legacy Personnel Inc offers ICU Registered Nurse positions across the United States, with a focus on high-quality patient care. Nurses here work in dynamic settings, gaining diverse experience. Locations include cities in Texas, California, and Illinois.
-
Clinical Management Consultants
Average Salary: $151,260
Clinical Management Consultants provide opportunities for ICU Registered Nurses in various states. Nurses enjoy a good work-life balance and access to extensive professional development. This company operates nationwide, offering diverse healthcare environments.
-
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $149,264
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers competitive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses in New York City. Nurses benefit from working in a prestigious institution with access to advanced medical technology and research opportunities. This leading hospital is a great place for those seeking a dynamic work experience.
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Average Salary: $145,036
Oregon Health & Science University provides rewarding opportunities for ICU Registered Nurses in Portland, Oregon. Nurses enjoy a supportive academic setting, with access to innovative treatments and research. This top-tier healthcare institution values professional development and patient care.
-
Mass General Brigham
Average Salary: $142,015
Mass General Brigham offers ICU Registered Nurse positions in Boston, Massachusetts. Nurses here benefit from a collaborative and cutting-edge healthcare environment. This prestigious institution provides excellent benefits and opportunities for growth in a major medical hub.
-
Atlas Search
Average Salary: $141,720
Atlas Search provides ICU Registered Nurse positions across the United States. Nurses benefit from competitive salaries and diverse work environments. This company operates nationwide, offering opportunities in various states and settings.
-
Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $133,417
Greenstaff Medical offers ICU Registered Nurse positions in multiple states. Nurses enjoy a mix of permanent and temporary roles, with access to various healthcare facilities. This company provides flexible options for those seeking diverse work experiences.
-
Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $133,325
Mount Sinai Health System offers ICU Registered Nurse positions in New York City. Nurses here benefit from working in a top-tier healthcare institution, with access to advanced treatments and research. This prestigious health system values professional growth and patient care.
How to earn more as a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?
An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse plays a critical role in patient care. This demanding position offers rewarding opportunities for career growth and salary enhancement. By focusing on certain key areas, an ICU nurse can significantly increase earning potential.
First, obtaining advanced certifications can boost earnings. Specialized training in areas like critical care or cardiac care provides a competitive edge. These certifications demonstrate a higher level of expertise, making the nurse more valuable to employers. Another way to increase income is by gaining experience. More years in the ICU lead to higher wages. Experienced nurses often take on leadership roles or mentor new staff, which also adds to the salary. A third factor is education. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing can lead to better-paying jobs. Higher educational attainment often results in more responsibility and a higher salary. Working in a high-demand location also helps. Cities with fewer healthcare professionals pay more to attract nurses. Lastly, considering a shift differential can be beneficial. Many hospitals offer higher pay for night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
By focusing on these areas, ICU Registered Nurses can earn more and advance their careers.
- Obtain advanced certifications
- Gain experience
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Work in high-demand locations
- Consider shift differentials



