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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an ICU Nurse in Kentucky is $85,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, an ICU Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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ICU Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $95,400 | $7,950 | $1,835 | $46 |
| Average | $85,400 | $7,117 | $1,642 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,100 | $6,508 | $1,502 | $38 |
HCA Healthcare - Frankfort, KY
MedPro Healthcare Staffing - Frankfort, KY
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital - Somerset, KY
MedPro Healthcare Staffing - Bowling Green, KY
An ICU Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an ICU Nurse's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level ICU Nurse | $83,033 |
| Intermediate Level ICU Nurse | $83,252 |
| Senior Level ICU Nurse | $86,180 |
| Specialist Level ICU Nurse | $90,309 |
| Expert Level ICU Nurse | $90,604 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract ICU Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
ICU Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,586. While startup companies pay approximate $77,192.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $77,192 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $81,486 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $87,623 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $90,586 |
For ICU Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, ICU Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view ICU Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $102,480 | $49.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an ICU Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $95,400 | $7,950 | $1,835 | $46 |
| Average | $85,400 | $7,117 | $1,642 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,100 | $6,508 | $1,502 | $38 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an ICU Nurse, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director Mother and Baby Unit | $152,500 | 79% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $145,100 | 70% |
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | $69,300 | -19% |
| Organ Transplant Coordinator RN | $103,600 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current ICU Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MedPro Healthcare Staffing
Elizabethtown, KY
MedPro Healthcare Staffing | Elizabethtown, KY
ICU/CCU Registered Nurse. MedPro Healthcare Staffing, a Joint Commission-certified staffing agency, is seeking a quality ICU/CCU Registered Nurse for a tra... more
2 Days Ago
Advantis Medical Staffing
Lexington, KY
Advantis Medical Staffing | Lexington, KY
ICU Travel Nurse Position. This ICU travel nurse position in Lexington, Kentucky, with Advantis Medical is a 14-week Travel ICU Registered Nurse (RN) contr... more
2 Days Ago
AHS Staffing
Bowling Green, KY
AHS Staffing | Bowling Green, KY
Registered Nurse - Intensive Care Unit - Neuro - Travel | Bowling Green, Kentucky. Estimated Weekly Pay. $2008.84. Start Date. 09/14/2026 |. Duration. 13 W... more
2 Days Ago
Supplemental Health Care
Bowling Green, KY
Supplemental Health Care | Bowling Green, KY
ICU Registered Nurse. Supplemental Health Care is hiring ICU Registered Nurses for contract assignments at partnering hospitals in Bowling Green, Kentucky.... more
3 Days Ago
MedPro Healthcare Staffing
Lexington, KY
MedPro Healthcare Staffing | Lexington, KY
ICU/CCU Registered Nurse. MedPro Healthcare Staffing, a Joint Commission-certified staffing agency, is seeking a quality ICU/CCU Registered Nurse for a tra... more
3 Days Ago
MedPro Healthcare Staffing
Somerset, KY
MedPro Healthcare Staffing | Somerset, KY
ICU/CCU Registered Nurse. MedPro Healthcare Staffing, a Joint Commission-certified staffing agency, is seeking a quality ICU/CCU Registered Nurse for a tra... more
3 Days Ago
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