National PICU Nurse Salary
The median US national PICU nurse salary is $151,762 as of 2023. The national pay ranges from the highest 10% of PICU nurses making $233,000 and the lowest 10% making $64,500. Our salary data for PICU nurses is consolidated from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter salary data.
PICU nurses, who care for severely ill or injured children, often work in hospitals, where pay tends to be higher due to the demands of the job, night shifts, and emergencies.
Geographic location also significantly impacts earnings, with states like California and New York offering some of the highest wages for PICU nurses due to both demand and cost of living.
How Much Do PICU Nurses Make Per Hour?
The median national wage for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurses is $73 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a PICU nurse do?
PICU nurses are specialized registered nurses who care for critically ill or injured infants, children, and adolescents. Here are some key responsibilities:
Monitor vital signs: Keep track of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels in real-time.
Administer medications: Deliver appropriate medications, including those required for pain management and sedation.
Operate life-support systems: Manage ventilators, intravenous lines, and other life-sustaining equipment.
Collaborate with healthcare teams: Work alongside doctors, respiratory therapists, and other specialists to create and adjust treatment plans.
Provide emotional support: Assist families by explaining complex medical procedures and offering guidance during difficult times.
Respond to emergencies: Act quickly in critical situations to stabilize young patients.
Want to find available PICU nurse job postings? See our PICU job openings here.
Highest paying nursing agencies for PICU nurses
Top paying cities for PICU nurses
According to ZipRecruiter salary data
| City | State | Average Annual Salary |
| Clay | California | $195k |
| Sunnyvale | California | $191k |
| Livermore | California | $191k |
| Arlington | Virginia | $190k |
| Kent | Washington | $185k |
| Vacaville | California | $184k |
| Manhattan | New York | $182k |
| Hillsboro | Oregon | $180k |
| Napa | California | $180k |
How to increase your salary as a PICU nurse
1. Earn advanced certifications
Obtaining specialized certifications can significantly raise your value as a PICU nurse. Consider pursuing:
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
2. Pursue an advanced degree
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) opens doors to leadership roles, advanced practice, or administrative positions with higher salaries.
3. Gain experience in high-demand locations
Relocating to areas with a higher cost of living or stronger demand for specialized nurses, such as California, New York, or Texas, can substantially boost your earnings. States with a shortage of critical care nurses often offer better compensation.
4. Work overtime or pick up night shifts
Hospitals often provide additional compensation for overtime, night shifts, weekends, or holiday work. Since PICU units operate 24/7, this is a common way for nurses to supplement their base salary.
5. Take on leadership or educator roles
As you gain experience, moving into roles such as charge nurse or clinical nurse educator allows you to mentor newer nurses and oversee clinical operations, often with higher pay.
6. Consider travel nursing
Travel nursing offers lucrative contracts, especially for PICU nurses. Travel nurses are often compensated well due to the short-term nature and high demand in various locations. Housing stipends and bonuses can further increase total earnings.
7. Negotiate your salary
If you're switching employers or taking on a new role, don't hesitate to negotiate your salary. Come prepared with data on the average salary for PICU nurses in your region and highlight your certifications and experience.