What is a Critical Care Nurse’s Salary and Job Outlook?
OK, so you think you may have found your passion in life – becoming a critical care nurse.
However, the million-dollar question is…
How much will I earn per year as a critical care nurse?
According to salaryexpert.com, the average salary for critical care or ICU nurses was $ 72,659 as of October 2018. The salary range typically falls between $65,478 and $78,597 and can depend on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years spent in the profession.
What is the job outlook for critical care nurses?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical job growth in a sector is 7%. The job growth for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to be 15% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than average.
This growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services especially because of the aging population. The bureau also predicts better job prospects for RNs with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) and/or with certifications in specialty areas. Since critical care nurses generally fulfill both these criteria, the demand for their services is expected to be even higher than for RNs.
The bottom line: Becoming a critical care nurse is not just a rewarding career; it is a growing and lucrative one, too.