269Live ICU RN Travel Jobs · August 13 700+ 5-Star Reviews

ICU Travel Nurse Jobs | Critical Care

Browse open critical care contracts with live weekly pay, facility, and start dates, then narrow to the ICU assignment that fits.

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ICU · nationwide
269
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$2,130
avg weekly pay iMarket pay is the average weekly rate across active assignments matching your specialty and location. Each job’s pay tier compares its weekly pay to this average.
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California 27 Massachusetts 20 Texas 20 Georgia 17 Iowa 14 Kentucky 12 Illinois 11
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    Inside Critical Care Travel Assignments

    On ICU travel nurse jobs, critical care RNs work at the bedside of the hospital's most fragile patients, where low ratios and high acuity define the work. Advantis lists 269 open critical care contracts right now, spanning MICU, SICU, CVICU, and neuro ICU assignments, with active openings in California, Massachusetts, and Texas. Weekly pay currently ranges $1,505 - $3,312, with most roles running 13-week contracts and start dates from August to December. Because acuity, unit type, and equipment differ from one ICU to the next, each listing shows its pay, shift, and unit details up front, updated hourly. Compare the open ICU assignments above and open the one that fits.

    Live market data

    Live ICU travel pay ranges

    Updated today

    ICU pay this week spans a wide band. Assignments group near the median; the highest weekly numbers go to 4x12 contracts and the tightest, highest-acuity nights. The marker below pins the median.

    $1,505 median $2,134 $3,312
    $2,134
    Median weekly
    $1,505–$3,312
    Typical range
    $3,312
    Top ICU Pay
    Based on 268 live Advantis ICU contracts. Weekly pay shown is marketplace contract value, not a staff-nurse wage.
    See the full ICU salary breakdown New Median & percentiles, pay by specialty & metro, hourly, and take-home

    Why ICU Staffing Is Guarded So Closely

    ICU staffing is guarded more tightly than anywhere else in the hospital, and there's a formal reason. In its 2024 Standards for Appropriate Staffing in Adult Critical Care, AACN states that critically ill patients generally require a one-nurse-to-two-patient ratio, escalating toward 1:1 for the highest-acuity cases, the defining constraint of the ICU travel role. The numbers behind it are large: U.S. intensive care units admit more than 5 million patients a year, per the Society of Critical Care Medicine, many arriving straight from the emergency department. Most critical-care roles expect the CCRN from AACN, the recognized standard beyond a baseline RN license. Because acuity and ratios differ from one ICU to the next, the assignment detail and weekly pay on each listing help guide decisions.

    Live market data · by state

    Where ICU Pay Delivers the Most

    Updated today

    Top-line critical-care rates can disappear into a high-rent city. Sort these ICU markets by what survives after housing, filter for the conditions you care about, a compact license, no state tax, a quick start, and weigh each against a cited demand outlook.

    Tap a green value, or an underlined heading, to see how each number is calculated.
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    State Open jobs Compact Median pay Income tax Market outlook
    Minnesota 3 No $2,390 $1,478 up to 9.85% (graduated) Surplus statewide; greater-MN distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Michigan 6 No $2,320 $1,310 4.25% flat 22,000+ unfilled nursing roles projected by 2030 Michigan Health Council 2024
    Massachusetts 20 No $2,571 $2,495 5.0% flat + 4% surtax (top 9.0%) Surplus statewide; turnover/specialty-driven demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Wyoming 3 Yes ✓ $2,189 $1,067 0% Largest projected surplus; frontier/rural demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Nebraska 4 Yes ✓ $2,204 $1,186 up to 4.55% (graduated) Above balance; rural/critical-access distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Iowa 14 Yes ✓ $2,169 $1,097 3.8% flat Near balance; rural/critical-access distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    New Hampshire 4 Yes ✓ $2,372 $2,038 0% ~7% RN shortfall by 2038; aging population HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Kansas 5 Yes ✓ $2,147 $1,122 up to 5.58% (graduated) Above balance; rural hospitals at closure risk HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Ohio 8 Yes ✓ $2,137 $1,219 2.75% flat Surplus statewide; high-acuity & rural distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    New Mexico 9 Yes ✓ $2,148 $1,294 up to 5.9% (graduated) Slight RN shortage (~2% by 2038); below-avg density HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Kentucky 12 Yes ✓ $2,099 $1,105 3.5% flat Near balance; metro + rural Appalachian demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Wisconsin 3 Yes ✓ $2,129 $1,250 up to 7.65% (graduated) Surplus statewide; distribution & specialty-mix demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Nevada 3 No $2,212 $1,719 0% Surplus statewide; Vegas/Reno growth keeps demand high HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Illinois 11 No $2,155 $1,556 4.95% flat ~27% of RNs plan to retire within 5 years IL Nursing Workforce Center
    Indiana 5 Yes ✓ $2,064 $1,234 2.95% flat ~5,000 more nurses needed by 2031 (72% of need met) Indiana Hospital Assn. · IU Bowen
    Washington 6 Yes ✓ $2,234 $2,011 0% Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~17% by 2038 (~15,020 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Arizona 9 Yes ✓ $2,159 $1,706 2.5% flat Population & retiree growth sustain metro demand BLS Occupational Outlook
    Louisiana 11 Yes ✓ $2,007 $1,127 3.0% flat Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~11% by 2038 (~5,680 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    New York 4 No $2,278 $2,374 up to 10.9% (graduated) + NYC local ~40,000 nurse shortage by 2030; 17,000+ RN openings/yr NY State DOH · DOL
    California 27 No $2,335 $2,674 up to 13.3% (graduated) ~78,000 RNs not working in nursing (57% age 65+) CA BRN · UCSF 2022
    Alabama 6 Yes ✓ $1,953 $1,079 up to 5.0% (graduated) Statewide surplus; demand in rural/non-metro facilities HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Oklahoma 6 Yes ✓ $1,947 $1,122 up to 4.5% (graduated) Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~13% by 2038 HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Maryland 3 Yes ✓ $2,126 $1,957 up to 6.5% (graduated) + county Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~16% by 2038 (~10,890 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    North Carolina 7 Yes ✓ $1,973 $1,389 3.99% flat ~12,500 RN shortfall by 2033 (~11%) NC Nursecast · UNC Sheps
    Missouri 3 Yes ✓ $1,854 $1,138 up to 4.7% (graduated) Statewide balance; KC/STL turnover + rural gaps HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Virginia 4 Yes ✓ $1,987 $1,729 up to 5.75% (graduated) Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~8% by 2038 (~8,020 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Mississippi 3 Yes ✓ $1,794 $1,033 4.0% flat Statewide balance; Delta/Gulf-Coast distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    South Carolina 4 Yes ✓ $1,855 $1,344 1.99% / 5.21% (two brackets) Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~12% by 2038 (~7,250 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Georgia 17 Yes ✓ $1,862 $1,550 4.99% flat Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~20% by 2038 (~25,110 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Colorado 3 Yes ✓ $1,923 $1,866 4.4% flat ~15% RN shortfall by 2030 (~10,000 nurses) CO Center for Nursing · Mercer
    Florida 4 Yes ✓ $1,876 $1,933 0% 59,000+ nurse shortage by 2035 (vacancy 7.8%) FL Hospital Assn.
    Texas 20 Yes ✓ $1,647 $1,520 0% 57,000+ RN shortfall by 2032 (~16%) TX DSHS 2024 · 739 hospitals
    Minnesota · 3 open
    Median pay $2,390 2-BR rent $1,478 State tax up to 9.85% (graduated) Compact No
    Outlook: Surplus statewide; greater-MN distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Michigan · 6 open
    Median pay $2,320 2-BR rent $1,310 State tax 4.25% flat Compact No
    Outlook: 22,000+ unfilled nursing roles projected by 2030 Michigan Health Council 2024
    Massachusetts · 20 open
    Median pay $2,571 2-BR rent $2,495 State tax 5.0% flat + 4% surtax (top 9.0%) Compact No
    Outlook: Surplus statewide; turnover/specialty-driven demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Wyoming · 3 open
    Median pay $2,189 2-BR rent $1,067 State tax 0% Compact ✓
    Outlook: Largest projected surplus; frontier/rural demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Nebraska · 4 open
    Median pay $2,204 2-BR rent $1,186 State tax up to 4.55% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Above balance; rural/critical-access distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Iowa · 14 open
    Median pay $2,169 2-BR rent $1,097 State tax 3.8% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Near balance; rural/critical-access distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    New Hampshire · 4 open
    Median pay $2,372 2-BR rent $2,038 State tax 0% Compact ✓
    Outlook: ~7% RN shortfall by 2038; aging population HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Kansas · 5 open
    Median pay $2,147 2-BR rent $1,122 State tax up to 5.58% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Above balance; rural hospitals at closure risk HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Ohio · 8 open
    Median pay $2,137 2-BR rent $1,219 State tax 2.75% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Surplus statewide; high-acuity & rural distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    New Mexico · 9 open
    Median pay $2,148 2-BR rent $1,294 State tax up to 5.9% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Slight RN shortage (~2% by 2038); below-avg density HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Kentucky · 12 open
    Median pay $2,099 2-BR rent $1,105 State tax 3.5% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Near balance; metro + rural Appalachian demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Wisconsin · 3 open
    Median pay $2,129 2-BR rent $1,250 State tax up to 7.65% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Surplus statewide; distribution & specialty-mix demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Nevada · 3 open
    Median pay $2,212 2-BR rent $1,719 State tax 0% Compact No
    Outlook: Surplus statewide; Vegas/Reno growth keeps demand high HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Illinois · 11 open
    Median pay $2,155 2-BR rent $1,556 State tax 4.95% flat Compact No
    Outlook: ~27% of RNs plan to retire within 5 years IL Nursing Workforce Center
    Indiana · 5 open
    Median pay $2,064 2-BR rent $1,234 State tax 2.95% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: ~5,000 more nurses needed by 2031 (72% of need met) Indiana Hospital Assn. · IU Bowen
    Washington · 6 open
    Median pay $2,234 2-BR rent $2,011 State tax 0% Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~17% by 2038 (~15,020 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Arizona · 9 open
    Median pay $2,159 2-BR rent $1,706 State tax 2.5% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Population & retiree growth sustain metro demand BLS Occupational Outlook
    Louisiana · 11 open
    Median pay $2,007 2-BR rent $1,127 State tax 3.0% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~11% by 2038 (~5,680 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    New York · 4 open
    Median pay $2,278 2-BR rent $2,374 State tax up to 10.9% (graduated) + NYC local Compact No
    Outlook: ~40,000 nurse shortage by 2030; 17,000+ RN openings/yr NY State DOH · DOL
    California · 27 open
    Median pay $2,335 2-BR rent $2,674 State tax up to 13.3% (graduated) Compact No
    Outlook: ~78,000 RNs not working in nursing (57% age 65+) CA BRN · UCSF 2022
    Alabama · 6 open
    Median pay $1,953 2-BR rent $1,079 State tax up to 5.0% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Statewide surplus; demand in rural/non-metro facilities HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Oklahoma · 6 open
    Median pay $1,947 2-BR rent $1,122 State tax up to 4.5% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~13% by 2038 HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Maryland · 3 open
    Median pay $2,126 2-BR rent $1,957 State tax up to 6.5% (graduated) + county Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~16% by 2038 (~10,890 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    North Carolina · 7 open
    Median pay $1,973 2-BR rent $1,389 State tax 3.99% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: ~12,500 RN shortfall by 2033 (~11%) NC Nursecast · UNC Sheps
    Missouri · 3 open
    Median pay $1,854 2-BR rent $1,138 State tax up to 4.7% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Statewide balance; KC/STL turnover + rural gaps HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Virginia · 4 open
    Median pay $1,987 2-BR rent $1,729 State tax up to 5.75% (graduated) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~8% by 2038 (~8,020 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Mississippi · 3 open
    Median pay $1,794 2-BR rent $1,033 State tax 4.0% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Statewide balance; Delta/Gulf-Coast distribution demand HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    South Carolina · 4 open
    Median pay $1,855 2-BR rent $1,344 State tax 1.99% / 5.21% (two brackets) Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~12% by 2038 (~7,250 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Georgia · 17 open
    Median pay $1,862 2-BR rent $1,550 State tax 4.99% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: Among 10 largest RN shortages · ~20% by 2038 (~25,110 FTE) HRSA 2023–2038 · long-term
    Colorado · 3 open
    Median pay $1,923 2-BR rent $1,866 State tax 4.4% flat Compact ✓
    Outlook: ~15% RN shortfall by 2030 (~10,000 nurses) CO Center for Nursing · Mercer
    Florida · 4 open
    Median pay $1,876 2-BR rent $1,933 State tax 0% Compact ✓
    Outlook: 59,000+ nurse shortage by 2035 (vacancy 7.8%) FL Hospital Assn.
    Texas · 20 open
    Median pay $1,647 2-BR rent $1,520 State tax 0% Compact ✓
    Outlook: 57,000+ RN shortfall by 2032 (~16%) TX DSHS 2024 · 739 hospitals
    No states match those filters. Try removing one.
    Market-outlook figures cited to each state's primary source.
    Illustrative only — not take-home pay or tax advice. Travel pay often includes tax-free stipends, and no-income-tax states stretch further. Estimated value = median weekly contract pay × 4.33 weeks, minus the typical 2-BR rent. Pay & open jobs: live Advantis inventory; 2-BR rent: HUD FMR FY2026; state income tax: Tax Foundation 2026; compact: NCSBN.
    Good to know

    Travel ICU Nurse Jobs - FAQs

    Is the CCRN expected on ICU travel contracts?
    Often preferred, not always required. Most ICU contracts require an active RN license with current BLS and ACLS, and many units favor the CCRN from AACN as proof of critical-care depth. Pediatric and neonatal ICUs may add PALS or NRP for their populations. If you hold the CCRN, it widens which units will take you; if not, strong recent ICU experience and a complete skills checklist usually carry the application.
    How much ICU time do travel contracts assume?
    Most postings want at least one to two years of recent ICU experience, because travelers take a full critical-care assignment after a short orientation. Comfort with ventilators, titratable drips, and rapid deterioration is assumed, and specialty units like CVICU often want case-specific background such as post-open-heart recovery. Match the unit type on the listing to your recent charting before you apply; it is the first thing managers screen.
    What units do ICU travel nurses work in?
    ICU travelers staff a range of critical care units, including MICU, SICU, CVICU, and neuro ICU. The patient mix runs high-acuity(sepsis, multi-organ failure, and complex post-op recovery)so the unit type on each listing matters. The unit named on a posting tells you the patient population and pace, so weigh it as heavily as the location when you compare contracts.
    What are typical ICU nurse-to-patient ratios?
    AACN's 2024 critical care staffing standards call for about a one-nurse-to-two-patient ratio, escalating toward 1:1 for the highest-acuity patients. Actual ratios vary by unit and shift, so check the assignment details on each listing. Units lean on experienced travelers to hold that standard through census swings, which is part of why ICU contracts stay steady year-round.
    What equipment do ICU travel nurses use?
    ICU travelers commonly manage ventilators, CRRT machines, ECMO circuits, and hemodynamic monitoring. Comfort with this equipment is part of the role, and listings often note the unit type and technology so you know what to expect. If a device is new to you, say so before you accept; many units will not orient a traveler on ECMO or CRRT mid-contract.
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