How much does a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse make?
An Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (ICU RN) often handles some of the most critical and challenging cases. This demanding role comes with a rewarding salary. On average, an ICU RN makes about $110,997 per year. This figure can vary depending on several factors.
Apart from the average, salaries for ICU RNs range from around $65,540 to about $177,580 annually. Several factors can affect these numbers, such as location, years of experience, and the specific healthcare facility. Many ICU RNs find that their salary increases as they gain more experience and specialize in certain areas of critical care.
What are the highest paying cities for a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $176,985
In San Francisco, you'll find rewarding work in world-renowned hospitals like UCSF Health. The city's healthcare sector demands highly skilled nurses who excel in critical care. You'll manage life-saving procedures and work with cutting-edge technology.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $172,129
Santa Rosa offers a peaceful yet professional environment with top-tier medical facilities. At places like Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, you'll gain valuable experience in critical care. The community emphasizes teamwork, which is essential for effective patient care.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $168,656
Sacramento provides a balanced work-life scenario in leading hospitals such as UC Davis Medical Center. Here, you'll work with a dedicated team to deliver top-notch care. The city's supportive environment helps you grow professionally.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $152,040
In San Diego, you'll work in a vibrant city known for its excellent healthcare system. At Scripps Mercy Hospital, you’ll deal with a diverse patient population, making each day unique. The city's mild climate makes it a great place to live and work.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $149,499
San Jose’s thriving tech scene is matched by its high-quality healthcare facilities. At Stanford Health Care, you’ll provide critical care in a state-of-the-art setting. The city offers many opportunities for professional development and personal growth.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $136,702
Nashville is home to major healthcare providers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Here, you’ll care for patients with a wide range of conditions. The city's warm community spirit extends to the healthcare sector, making it a welcoming place to work.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $136,352
Wichita offers a supportive community with excellent hospitals such as Wesley Medical Center. You’ll work in a close-knit environment where teamwork is key. The city’s moderate climate and lower cost of living enhance your quality of life.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $134,413
In Honolulu, you'll enjoy working in a tropical paradise at institutions like The Queens Medical Center. The island's unique environment provides a relaxed yet professional setting. You’ll care for a diverse patient population, enhancing your skills.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $133,704
Los Angeles offers a bustling environment with numerous healthcare options, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. You’ll manage high-pressure situations while working with a diverse team. The city's vibrant culture provides ample opportunities for personal enrichment.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $132,674
Las Vegas is a fast-paced city with excellent healthcare facilities such as MountainView Hospital. Here, you’ll encounter a variety of cases, keeping your work engaging. The city's entertainment scene offers plenty of leisure activities to balance your professional life.
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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: $189,989
Sutter Health offers top-tier salaries for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurses. They operate numerous hospitals across Northern California, including Sacramento, San Francisco, and the Bay Area. They focus on delivering high-quality care and have a reputation for excellent nurse support and resources.
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Prolink
Average Salary: $153,066
Prolink is a prominent staffing company that provides competitive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. They place nurses in various locations across the United States, ensuring each nurse has access to a range of healthcare environments and opportunities. Prolink values nurse well-being and professional growth.
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Pinnacle Alliances
Average Salary: $142,909
Pinnacle Alliances offers attractive compensation packages for ICU Registered Nurses. They serve locations across the country, with a strong presence in New York, Texas, and California. Their dedication to nurse excellence and supportive work environment makes them a sought-after employer.
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Mass General Brigham
Average Salary: $142,560
Mass General Brigham provides competitive pay for ICU Registered Nurses. They are a leading healthcare system based in Massachusetts, with hospitals in Boston and surrounding areas. They emphasize patient care and have robust training programs for their nursing staff.
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Providence
Average Salary: $138,162
Providence offers a solid salary for ICU Registered Nurses. They operate in several states, including Washington, Oregon, and California. They are known for their patient-centered care and strong commitment to nursing staff development and support.
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Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $135,846
Amergis Healthcare Staffing provides competitive salaries for ICU Registered Nurses. They place nurses in various locations across the United States, ensuring diverse work environments and opportunities. They focus on the professional growth and well-being of their nursing staff.
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EvergreenHealth
Average Salary: $135,320
EvergreenHealth offers attractive compensation for ICU Registered Nurses. They are a healthcare system based in Washington state, with hospitals in Kirkland and Monroe. They focus on providing high-quality care and have a supportive work environment for their nursing staff.
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InfiCare Staffing
Average Salary: $131,412
InfiCare Staffing provides competitive pay for ICU Registered Nurses. They serve a wide range of locations across the United States. They are dedicated to nurse excellence and offer a supportive work environment for their nursing staff.
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Infojini Healthcare
Average Salary: $129,114
Infojini Healthcare offers a solid salary for ICU Registered Nurses. They place nurses in various locations across the country, ensuring diverse work environments. They focus on nurse well-being and professional growth, making them a great employer to consider.
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St. John's Riverside Hospital
Average Salary: $125,727
St. John's Riverside Hospital provides competitive pay for ICU Registered Nurses. They are based in New York, offering a supportive environment for their nursing staff. They focus on patient care and have a strong commitment to nursing excellence.
How to earn more as a Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse?
Becoming an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. To earn more in this role, several strategies can be effective. First, gaining experience and building a strong reputation can lead to higher salaries. Skilled nurses who demonstrate their expertise often earn more. Second, obtaining certifications in critical care can increase earning potential. Certifications like the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and skill, which employers may reward with a higher salary.
Another important factor is seeking positions in high-demand areas or hospitals. Some regions have a shortage of ICU nurses, leading to higher wages to attract qualified candidates. Additionally, pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in Nursing, can open doors to higher-paying roles, such as nurse educator or nurse administrator positions. Lastly, networking and staying informed about industry trends can lead to better job opportunities. Connecting with other professionals and learning about market trends can help find positions that offer higher pay. By focusing on these factors, ICU Registered Nurses can increase their earning potential significantly.
Consider the following factors to maximize earnings:
- Gain experience and build a strong reputation
- Obtain critical care certifications
- Seek positions in high-demand areas or hospitals
- Pursue advanced degrees
- Network and stay informed about industry trends



