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Job outlook for critical care nurses in the United States
Critical care nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected critical care nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for critical care nurses are projected over the next decade.
Critical care nurse salaries have increased 10% for critical care nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 61,298 critical care nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 594,859 active critical care nurse job openings in the US.
The average critical care nurse salary is $76,788.
Are critical care nurse jobs in demand?
Critical Care Nurse job and salary trends over time
Critical Care Nurse jobs over time
Critical Care Nurse job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 61,298 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 60,071 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 59,986 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 59,376 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 58,468 | 0.02% |
Average critical care nurse salary over time
Critical Care Nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,788 | $36.92 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $74,718 | $35.92 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $73,118 | $35.15 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $71,355 | $34.31 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $69,775 | $33.55 | +1.4% |
Critical Care Nurse jobs by state
Most common states for critical care nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,605 | 120% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 1,014 | 117% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 795 | 105% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 641 | 103% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 1,319 | 99% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 916 | 95% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 6,367 | 93% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 945 | 90% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,744 | 84% |
| 10 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 575 | 83% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 2,492 | 79% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 586 | 79% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 5,022 | 75% |
| 14 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 15,465 | 74% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 9,189 | 72% |
| 16 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 8,403 | 72% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 2,072 | 71% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 1,357 | 71% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 1,292 | 71% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 5,209 | 70% |
Most common cities for critical care nurses
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fountain Hills | 8 | 33% | $85,867 |
| 2 | Florence | 8 | 31% | $85,764 |
| 3 | Queen Creek | 8 | 23% | $85,839 |
| 4 | Apache Junction | 8 | 20% | $85,796 |
| 5 | Maricopa | 8 | 17% | $85,981 |
| 6 | San Tan Valley | 8 | 10% | $85,805 |
| 7 | Tempe | 8 | 4% | $85,955 |
| 8 | Chandler | 8 | 3% | $85,917 |
| 9 | Scottsdale | 8 | 3% | $85,930 |
| 10 | Mesa | 10 | 2% | $85,867 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 9 | 2% | $81,665 |
| 12 | Cleveland | 7 | 2% | $76,974 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 11 | 1% | $86,029 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 7 | 1% | $84,740 |
| 15 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $102,877 |
Critical Care Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of critical care nurse experts
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
California State University - Chico
Meharry Medical College
Molloy College
University of St. Francis
The University of Tampa
Harding University
Hartwick College
Shepherd University
George Fox University
University of Wyoming
New York University
University of Maine
University of Southern Maine
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Stephen F Austin State University
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Dr. Cynthia Aurentz DNP, MSN, RN, CNE: Nursing is a dynamic field and there are many options. You can work in an Emergency Room, pediatrics, oncology, or even as a vascular access specialist (and many others). One of the great things about Nursing is that if you find you don't like a particular specialty, making a change is easy. Having your RN license qualifies you to work anywhere that an RN license is required so it may simply be a matter of transferring to a different area. Nurses are lifelong learners and there is much to learn! It is beneficial to have a solid foundation in basic medical-surgical concepts. Nursing needs great med-surg nurses and employers are looking for those who are willing to provide excellent direct patient care at the bedside. I also recommend that you learn about Nurse advocacy and become involved. As soon as you graduate, join your State and National Nurse Associations so that you have a voice in the issues that impact Nursing.
What will help Critical Care Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Cynthia Aurentz DNP, MSN, RN, CNE: There is a wide range in salaries across nursing roles so be the best you can, wherever you land. Pursue certifications in your specialty and gain experience so that you are prepared for mobility across varying roles. Advanced practice roles require more school and if that seems intriguing, research the different specialties. Nurse anesthesia is one of the highest paying nursing roles but it is also one of the most competitive. If that is a goal, get as much critical care experience as you can and make friends with the admission coordinators at prospective schools—let them know how important it is to you!
Krystyna Tabor
Assistant ProfessorNorthwestern State University of Louisiana
Allied Health And Medical Assisting Services
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Krystyna Tabor: This question is too hard to answer. The right question is "what doesn't a nurse do on a day-to-day basis?". People have an idea of what nurses do. However, only nurses know what they actually do and under what conditions they do it. The list is way too long.
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP
Associate Teaching Professor of Nursing & NLN Certified Nurse EducatorPennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP: The earliest approach for the individual new grad is to consider several offers; don't agree to the first job offer—no matter how flattering and rosy it seems. You may end up agreeing to it in a short time, but give yourself a chance to consider other offers as well. Think about secondary gains. One offer may be a little less than another, but money isn't everything. Secondary benefits may include employer reimbursement or payment for continuing education (required by many states for re-licensure), cross-training in or certification for a clinical specialty that pays better (and thus a job you can bid on later), a promotion scheme that supplies specific benchmarks to the new grad to aim for to hit higher salary targets, and benefits plans that cover more out of pocket costs for health care, dental and vision insurance, 401k, and similar non-salary compensation. You may make more money at one job, but end up paying out of pocket for high deductibles or non-covered care, than you might at a job that has a much better benefits package, even if the pay is a little less.
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Doerfler PhD, CRNP: I would strongly recommend that new graduates consider carefully the structure and duration of orientation or onboarding. Many hospitals are understaffed and new nurses are often being rushed through shortened orientations/residencies in an effort to relieve those staffing shortfalls. Duration and expected benchmarks for achievement should be available in writing as you consider your first job offer. If possible, ask to spend a few hours or shifts with the unit you are thinking about joining: Observe how the nurses treat each other and the ancillary staff. Do they seem mutually supportive? Is there a lot of gossipy talk? How does the morale seem? These social issues can become quite distressing to the new grad, and can result in dissatisfaction and premature departure due to emotional stress.
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rich Burton DNP, RN, CMSRN: Most hospitals have set rates for nurses but if you are looking to maximize your salary, I would say location location location. Certain areas of the country pay more than others, be willing to move to maximize your earning potential. Hospitals might also pay more for certifications or a bachelor’s degree as well.
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.
ProfessorMeharry Medical College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Olugbemiga Ogunkua M.D., Ph.D.: 3. Do your homework and see what is consider reasonable for your position and demand the highest with the view of putting in your best. If you start low it is difficult with the system to getter better. But do not be greedy, the first five years in your profession is still part of the active learning process. Strife to be the best you can be.
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC
ProfessorMolloy College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Normadeane Armstrong PhD, RN, ANP-BC: Starting a career in nursing can be both exciting and intimidating. Some general advice for new nursing graduates embarking on their professional journey may include: Never Stop Learning, Develop Strong Communication Skills, Cultivate Critical Thinking, Prioritize Self-Care, Build a Strong Support System.
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate NursingUniversity of St. Francis
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Bedside clinical experience is important, getting certifications, soft skills to enhance your EI quotient, develop your leadership skills, going back for your MSN.
What will help Critical Care Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Maria Martinez DNP RN: Save and invest your earrings. Consider having 401K, 403b, Roth, Traditional IRAs. Look into credit unions, bonds, stocks. Be financially savvy and save your money.
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Dr. MaryAnn D'Alesandro DNP, MSN, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, CNE: The most important to skills to have and/or learn are critical thinking, trusting, and strengthening their gut intuition, and being adaptable to unpredictable situations and changing environments. The pandemic taught us that in many ways. Common sense and critical thinking are more important than you can imagine. But the most important skill is being okay being a life-long learner and understanding that no 2 days will be the same.
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. MaryAnn D'Alesandro DNP, MSN, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, CNE: The most important advice is to keep in mind is that the first 1 to 2 years is still the learning phase of being an RN. Be kind and patient with yourself and be comfortable with asking questions and for help when you need it. Emulate the nurses that you admire and respect. Be a sponge when you can learn new skills and new concepts from your more experienced teammates. Be humble and be gracious. Enjoy it. Embrace the experiences and learn from them.
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN
Assistant ProfessorHarding University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: With technologies like AI becoming more prominent, nursing is a field that will stand out because it requires human intervention to provide hands-on care, perform skills, and critically think. That being said, I think nurses will become increasingly exposed to AI decision-making tools being utilized in medicine. What I think will be most important is utilizing those tools to streamline your tasks and decision-making, while at the same time being aware that your human interventions are still vital to notice things the algorithm misses while also providing compassionate care.
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcus Binns MSN-NE, RN: I would recommend they try to find their passion in nursing and get into it as quickly as they are able. You may not be able to start off on a specialty unit, but work on the steps needed to get there within a few years after starting off. If you try to practice nursing without passion, you can quickly experience feelings of burnout. If you work on a unit or with a population that you care deeply about, some days will *still* be hard but you will be encouraged to show up the next day and continue working with people you care about.
What will help Critical Care Nurses increase their earning potential?
Lorena Marra MS, FNP-C: The skills that will be more important as the field of nursing continues are those that will prepare the nurse for patients with higher acuity (they are sicker!). Nurses will have to continue to integrate knowledge from other sciences into nursing science-understanding chemistry, biology, psychology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, sociology, and others in order to make the best clinical decisions for the patient. Nurses will need to expand patient-centered care to focus on multiple factors, not just the specific health need, but psychological considerations as well as financial needs. Nursing should also look to continuing care beyond the usual space and incorporate ideas of community health in their care. Nurses will need to use research skills to help advance health care and improve health outcomes for all. Nurses will need to use advanced technology to help support efforts to improve patient safety and quality care outcomes. Nurses also need to continue to uphold the legal and ethical considerations that they have in the past.
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC
Assistant Professor of NursingShepherd University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Zerull PhD, RN-BC: As a new RN begins their nursing career my advice includes: 1. Shadow on the unit where you think you want to work and explore the unit culture, leadership and communications styles, and overall RN staff satisfaction 2. Choose wisely for your first RN position—too many nurses leave the field within the first year. 3. Recognize that nursing in hospitals requires mostly 12 hour day and night, weekend and holiday work requirements—pay your dues—you are needed. Then decide where is best fit for work/life balance. 4. Create realistic strategies for your own self care. 5. Explore job opportunities in hospitals providing a quality nurse residency program 6. Find a mentor (not your manager or supervisor) to guide and support you throughout your career 7. While you may pursue a specialized area such as emergency room, critical care, and labor and delivery, remember that 80% of all patients in hospitals are older adults age 60-80. Medical/surgical nursing IS a nursing specialty and provides a solid foundation of nursing care and skills to transition to ANY setting or specialty. 8. Be responsible and accountable for your actions including work attendance; positive conflict resolution and problem solving; being a change agent to enhance nursing practice or for positive change; and choose NOT to become part of a negative group of co-workers who complain about everything and don't work toward positive change.
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Having good customer service and people skills will never go out of style. You can have all the knowledge and technical skills required to be a nurse, but if you don't know how to connect with people and care, you will be missing what we call the 'art' of nursing. I believe that technology will continue to become more integrated into healthcare systems, so it is important to have comfort with how we can use technology to improve care and patient outcomes. Healthcare is constantly changing, and nurses need to be innovative and adaptable.
What will help Critical Care Nurses increase their earning potential?
Kari Sandau MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your nursing preceptors will not expect you to know everything. Give yourself grace and know that it may take several months to a year to feel comfortable and confident in your new role. Look for new positions with RN new grad residency programs to help support you in this transition from student to nurse. Take time to reflect on the care you give and how you want to improve. Care for yourself. Make sure you take time each week to do something that brings you joy. Spending time with friends, playing games, hiking, crafting, or exercising are important self-care activities.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What will help Critical Care Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Jordan Porter DNP, APRN, FNP-BC: In this field, where the environment is constantly changing and the stakes are always high, it's critical for new nurses to prioritize emotional agility. What I mean by that is having the courage to face tough emotions, being curious about them rather than fearful, and treating yourself with compassion as you work through them. This isn't just about handling stress; it's about aligning these experiences with your core values and purpose. For example, Adam Grant in his book 'Hidden Potential' really hits the nail on the head. He talks about becoming a discomfort seeker, a relentless learner, and embracing imperfections along the way. These aren't just tips; they're necessary traits to navigate the complexities of healthcare with resilience and adaptability. I believe mastering this kind of emotional agility is as crucial as any clinical skill a nurse learns.
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE
Associate Professor of NursingUniversity of Southern Maine
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Critical Care Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Debra Gillespie PhD, RN, CNE: ask questions and don't put too much pressure upon yourself. Be eager to learn new things, and stay on top of new initiatives in nursing and healthcare. Become a lifelong learner.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorCalifornia State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: My advice to Registered Nurses entering the workforce is to be open to opportunities that may not be their first choice. This can mean a nursing position in a department or a shift they may not have considered but may lead to future opportunities for a more desirable shift, or an opportunity in their preferred specialty.
What Critical Care Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Best advice for new graduates is to never stop learning, gain all the certifications you can and keep a positive attitude. Remember networking is key to a successful career!
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C
MSN CoordinatorStephen F Austin State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Critical Care Nurse?
Dr. Erin Bailey DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Empathy and grit. Nurses definitely need empathy to care for patients but COVID and the changes in the world have taught us that new nurses need grit and self-care. Burn-out is a real thing. Nurses need to think about and advocate for their own safety and health-mental and physical. Take a self-defense class and learn de-escalation tips. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get trapped in a room by yourself with an aggressive agitate patient. Also, do not work seven 12 hour shifts in a row as a new nurse. It is not healthy for you. Find a nurse that you can decompress and debrief with. Most new nurses burn-out in less than 10 years. This is the key to longevity in this field and will allow you to increase your earning potential.