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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an ICU RN in Kentucky is $87,998 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, an ICU RN's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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ICU RN Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $98,265 | $8,189 | $1,890 | $47 |
| Average | $87,998 | $7,333 | $1,692 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,380 | $6,698 | $1,546 | $39 |
Fusion Medical Staffing - Hazard, KY
Lifeline Medical Staffing - Frankfort, KY
Harlan Appalachian Regional Healthcare - Paintsville, KY
Fusion Medical Staffing - Louisville, KY
An ICU RN'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 RN'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 RN | $84,768 |
| Intermediate Level ICU RN | $84,993 |
| Senior Level ICU RN | $87,998 |
| Specialist Level ICU RN | $92,226 |
| Expert Level ICU RN | $92,528 |
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 RNs. 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:
For ICU RN 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 RN positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view ICU RN as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $105,598 | $51.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an ICU RN'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 | $98,265 | $8,189 | $1,890 | $47 |
| Average | $87,998 | $7,333 | $1,692 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,380 | $6,698 | $1,546 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current ICU RN job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Titan Medical Group, LLC
Hazard, KY
Titan Medical Group, LLC | Hazard, KY
Travel Icu Position. Titan Medical is looking for travelers to fill a travel ICU position for a 13-week assignment in Hazard, KY more
7 Days Ago
Fusion Medical Staffing
Mayfield, KY
Fusion Medical Staffing | Mayfield, KY
Travel ICU RNCompany:Fusion Medical StaffingLocation:Facility in Mayfield, KentuckyJob DetailsFusion Medical Staffing is seeking a ICU RN for a 13-week tra... more
9 Days Ago
Fusion Medical Staffing
Paris, KY
Fusion Medical Staffing | Paris, KY
Travel ICU RNCompany:Fusion Medical StaffingLocation:Facility in Paris, KentuckyJob DetailsFusion Medical Staffing is seeking a ICU RN for a 13-week travel... more
9 Days Ago
Voyage Health
Frankfort, KY
Voyage Health | Frankfort, KY
Job Description. Job Description. Position Details. Specialty. RN ICU. Location. Frankfort, Kentucky. Employment Type. Travel/Contract. Pay. $1633 - $1719 ... more
9 Days Ago
Titan Medical Group, LLC
Bowling Green, KY
Titan Medical Group, LLC | Bowling Green, KY
Travel Icu Position. Titan Medical is looking for travelers to fill a travel ICU position for a 13-week assignment in Bowling Green, KY more
9 Days Ago
Phenom People
Lexington, KY
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