National CVICU Nurse Salary
The median US national CVICU nurse salary is $124,358 as of 2023. The national pay ranges from the highest 10% of CVICUs making $185,000 and the lowest 10% making $55,500. Our salary data for CVICU nurses is consolidated from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter salary data.
The average salary for Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) nurses, who specialize in caring for critically ill patients with heart conditions, is typically higher than the average registered nurse salary due to the specialized skills and critical care environment.
CVICU nurses often earn more compared to Registered Nurses, particularly in high-demand areas or metropolitan hospitals.
How Much Do CVICU Nurses Make Per Hour?
The median national wage for [Specialty] nurses is $60 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a CVICU nurse do?
CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit) nurses specialize in providing critical care to patients with severe heart conditions, including those recovering from heart surgeries such as bypasses, transplants, and valve replacements. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, managing ventilators, and performing advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) when needed. They work closely with doctors to interpret diagnostic tests, adjust treatment plans, and ensure the stabilization of patients with complex cardiovascular issues. CVICU nurses also provide emotional support to patients and their families, ensuring comprehensive care in a high-stress environment.
Highest paying nursing agencies for CVICU nurses
Top paying cities for CVICU nurses
According to ZipRecruiter data
| City | State | Average Annual Salary |
| Saint Helena | California | $162k |
| Berlin Corners | Vermont | $155k |
| Bainbridge Island | Washington | $155k |
| Berkeley | California | $154k |
| Renton | Washington | $149k |
| Santa Monica | California | $148k |
| Palo Alto | California | $147k |
| Daly City | California | $146k |
| Plattsmouth | Nevada | $146k |
How to increase your salary as a CVICU nurse
1. Obtain Advanced Certifications
Specialized certifications can not only boost your skills but also increase your marketability to employers. Certifications validate your expertise and can lead to higher pay rates.
- CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse): This certification shows a high level of knowledge in critical care nursing.
- CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certification): Specialized for nurses in cardiac surgery, making you more valuable in the CVICU.
- CCTN (Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse): Focused on transplant nursing, which is a growing specialty area.
2. Pursue Higher Education
Advancing your formal education is another path to increasing your salary. Nurses with higher degrees often earn more.
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing): Many healthcare facilities offer higher salaries to nurses with a BSN degree.
- MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): With an MSN, you can pursue leadership roles or become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN).
- DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): A terminal degree that can qualify you for top-tier roles, including executive and leadership positions in healthcare systems.
3. Gain Expertise in High-Demand Areas
Certain skills are in high demand in the CVICU and can command higher wages. Becoming proficient in these areas will make you indispensable.
- ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) management: ECMO specialists are highly sought after, and many facilities offer a premium for these skills.
- Heart transplant or LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) care: Nurses with experience in complex cardiovascular surgeries and postoperative care can often command higher salaries.
- Telemetry and hemodynamic monitoring expertise: These critical skills are valued in the CVICU, and mastering them can lead to salary increases.
4. Take Advantage of Shift Differentials and Overtime
Shift differentials and overtime pay are ways to significantly boost your salary without changing jobs. Many hospitals offer increased pay for working night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
- Night shifts: Often come with a 10-20% pay increase.
- Weekend shifts: May offer similar or even higher bonuses depending on the facility.
- Overtime: Working extra shifts, particularly during staff shortages, can add substantially to your income.
5. Relocate to Higher-Paying Regions
Nurses working in areas with a high cost of living or in states that have a nursing shortage often receive higher salaries. Consider relocating to regions known for higher nurse pay.
- California, New York, and Massachusetts are known for offering some of the highest salaries for nurses.
- Rural or underserved areas may offer loan repayment programs or signing bonuses, adding to your overall compensation.
6. Take on Leadership Roles
Stepping into leadership or managerial roles can significantly increase your salary. These positions typically come with higher pay and additional benefits.
- Charge nurse: Overseeing staff on your shift and helping manage the unit’s day-to-day operations can come with a pay bump.
- Clinical nurse leader: This role combines clinical expertise with leadership, offering a higher salary and opportunities for advancement.
- Nurse manager or director: Leading entire departments or multiple units can offer even higher salaries.
7. Negotiate Your Salary
When starting a new position or during performance evaluations, negotiating your salary can often lead to a higher starting point or a raise. Come prepared with research on salary averages in your area, your qualifications, and your experience.
- Research local salary benchmarks to know what others in your role are earning.
- Leverage your education, certifications, and specialized experience to justify higher pay.
- Request raises during annual reviews, especially if you’ve taken on more responsibilities or earned new credentials.
8. Explore Travel Nursing or Per Diem Work
Travel nurses and per diem nurses typically earn significantly more than full-time staff nurses, due to the temporary nature of the work and the need to fill staffing gaps quickly.
- Travel nursing: Allows you to take short-term contracts across the country, often offering higher pay and bonuses.
- Per diem nursing: Offers flexibility and higher hourly rates, as these nurses are often brought in for short-term needs or to cover staff shortages.
9. Join Professional Nursing Organizations
Being active in professional nursing organizations can open doors for professional development, networking, and salary advancement opportunities.
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): Provides resources, job boards, and connections that can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
- Networking opportunities: Building relationships with others in the field can provide access to better-paying positions or side jobs.