Average NICU Nurse Salary

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – also known as Neonatal Critical Care – nurses specialize in caring for newborn infants with conditions such as prematurity, low birthweigh, cardiac problems, and congenital disabilities. In general, neonatal nursing refers to care for patients experiencing issues right after birth. 

While registered nurses overall in the United States receive $82,750 per year according to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, NICU nurses are among the highest-paid nurses. According to data from Incredible Health, the average salary for Neonatal Critical Care Nurses is $88,160 – an effective hourly rate of $42.

This hourly rate puts the average NICU nurse salary at about 6% higher than a the average registered nurse’s median wage. Remember that this number is just the aggregate average salary and does not take into account nursing salaries that consider unit position, experience level, and other factors.

Nursing positions are among the top in-demand jobs in the country, and experts project at least 9% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, there is a shortage of professionals in the field. These primary factors contribute to higher NICU nursing salaries and a strong outlook for the career path.

NICU nurse salaries by state

NICU nurse salaries vary depending on the state in which you practice. The cost of living in different states affects compensation scales.

For example, you may earn a larger paycheck as a staff NICU nurse in Hawaii because the cost of living is about 12% higher than the country’s average.

Conversely, in Mississippi, NICU nurses may earn less than other states because the cost of living is about 12% less than the country’s average.

The top five highest-paying states for nurses, including NICU nurses (without factoring in the cost of living) include the following:

The top five highest-paying states for nurses, including NICU nurses (adjusted for cost of living) are the following:

How to become a neonatal intensive care unit nurse

A neonatal nurse helps care for medically fragile newborns with various health problems, such as prematurity, congenital abnormalities, infections, congenital heart defects, and surgical issues. While the neonatal period is usually defined as the first month of life, these infant patients are often sick for months and require intensive and constant monitoring and care.

1. Earn a nursing degree

Due to the extra delicate nature of the job, a typical NICU staff nurse needs to be a registered nurse with at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You can also get a diploma from a hospital-based school of nursing. 

If the NICU is your calling, then it is best to gain experience from newborn nurseries or pediatric departments after earning your degree or diploma. That experience will give you the additional experience needed to enter the NICU successfully. 

2. Advance your nursing career

After starting your nursing career in the NICU, there are many opportunities to grow. You can set your goals to become a nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, developmental care specialist, neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), or neonatal nurse (CCRN).

Advancing your career may also require you to earn certifications, an MSN, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These additional degrees and certificates come in handy when negotiating your NICU nurse salary. 

Another thing to think about is continuing education requirements. You will need to take courses to keep your license current. Stay up to date on evidence-based practices and take courses in areas that will most benefit your career. 

Where to learn more about the average NICU nurse salary

To learn more about the average NICU nurse salary in your state, we created this salary estimator to help you. This tool collates data from well over 10,000 nurses. This information will help you make more informed decisions on your future path as a nurse in any field of nursing.

Sources

• “Nursing Shortage.” aacnnursing.org. Accessed April 9, 2021.
• “Occupational Outlook Handbook-Registered Nurses.” bls.gov. Accessed April 9, 2022.