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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intensive Care Unit Nurse in Iowa is $84,962 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, an Intensive Care Unit Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Intensive Care Unit Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,097 | $7,841 | $1,810 | $45 |
| Average | $84,962 | $7,080 | $1,634 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,022 | $6,419 | $1,481 | $37 |
Nightingale - Des Moines, IA
Daisy Medical Staffing Inc - Sioux City, IA
Coast Medical Service - Des Moines, IA
Pacer Group - West Burlington, IA
An Intensive Care Unit 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 Intensive Care Unit 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 Intensive Care Unit Nurse | $83,087 |
| Intermediate Level Intensive Care Unit Nurse | $83,308 |
| Senior Level Intensive Care Unit Nurse | $86,253 |
| Specialist Level Intensive Care Unit Nurse | $90,397 |
| Expert Level Intensive Care Unit Nurse | $90,693 |
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 Intensive Care Unit 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:
For Intensive Care Unit 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, Intensive Care Unit Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Intensive Care Unit Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $101,954 | $49.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Intensive Care Unit 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 | $94,097 | $7,841 | $1,810 | $45 |
| Average | $84,962 | $7,080 | $1,634 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,022 | $6,419 | $1,481 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Intensive Care Unit Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Genie Healthcare
Council Bluffs, IA
Genie Healthcare | Council Bluffs, IA
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Travel RN. Genie Healthcare is looking for a RN to work in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a 13 weeks travel assignment located in ... more
2 Days Ago
Krucial Rapid Response
Des Moines, IA
Krucial Rapid Response | Des Moines, IA
Respiratory Therapist - RT Specialty Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Job Type: Local Profession. Shift: 6P-6A PD Shifts. Shifts Per Week: 3. Start Date: 09/1... more
2 Days Ago
GQR Global Markets - Healthcare
Ottumwa, IA
GQR Global Markets - Healthcare | Ottumwa, IA
Contract - W2 ICU Registered Nurse (RN). Job Location: Ottumwa, Iowa Start Date: August 24, 2026 Profession: Registered Nurse (RN) Facility: Hospital Estim... more
2 Days Ago
Coast Medical Service
West Burlington, IA
Coast Medical Service | West Burlington, IA
Travel Rn Stepdown (Pcu) Night Shift. Shift: Night Shift - 12 hours. Start Date: 08/31/2026. End Date: 11/29/2026. Duration: 13 Week(s). City: West Burling... more
3 Days Ago
Medical talent
West Burlington, IA
Medical talent | West Burlington, IA
Travel RN CCU Opportunity. Join the Medical Talent Team. Join our dynamic team and embark on a rewarding journey with us. We are Joint Commission certified... more
3 Days Ago
Uniti Med
Ottumwa, IA
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