As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for ICU Director in the US is $178,476, equivalent to $86 per hour, $3,432 weekly, or $14,873 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for ICU Director in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for ICU Director in the US vary widely, spanning from $144,089 to $205,221. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($160,477) and 75th percentile ($192,475), while top earners (90th percentile) make $205,221 per year. This $31,998 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Coordination or Basic Life Support, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia ICU Director often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 21 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
ICU Director Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile ICU Director Salary $144,089 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile ICU Director Salary $160,477 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile ICU Director Salary $178,476 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile ICU Director Salary $192,475 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile ICU Director Salary $205,221 US January 01, 2026
25% $160,477 10% $144,089 90% $205,221 75% $192,475 $178,476 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out ICU Director jobs in the United States

ICU Intensivist Medical Director

Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists - EL SEGUNDO, CA

RN ICU

HH Health System-Lincoln - FAYETTEVILLE, TN

Director of Nursing

Souris Valley Care Center - Good Samaritan Society - VELVA, ND

Director of Nursing

Haven of Flagstaff - FLAGSTAFF, AZ

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What is An ICU Director ?

The salary for an ICU Director typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the size of the healthcare facility. This role involves overseeing the operations of the Intensive Care Unit, ensuring high standards of patient care, managing staff, and coordinating with other departments. Responsibilities also include developing policies, implementing best practices, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. Additional compensation may include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for professional develop...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Job Openings for ICU Director

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Staff Nurse - RN - Intensive Care Unit


    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    ICU Director


    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for An ICU Director, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
160477
192475
178476

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
167771
236495
200524
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of ICU Director in the United States. The base salary for ICU Director ranges from $160,477 to $192,475 with the average base salary of $178,476. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $167,771 to $236,495 with the average total cash compensation of $200,524.

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160477
192475