How much do NICU nurses make?

Across 44 live NICU postings that state pay, the median offer is $110,656 a year. The middle half runs $95,771–$127,494, and the top 10% start at $142,505.

Does NICU pay more than nursing overall?

NICU ranks #93 of 386 specialties on posted pay. Its median is 16% above the all-nursing median of $95,680.

Which states pay NICU nurses the most?

By posted median right now: #1 California ($118,290), #2 North Carolina ($99,320). Rankings move as postings change — this page updates continuously.

Where do these numbers come from?

Midpoint of stated salary ranges on live nursing job postings; values outside $20,000–$800,000/yr treated as parse artifacts and excluded; groups under 5 postings suppressed. Headline figures blend every employment type; `employmentTypes` splits the same postings into staff, travel, PRN and agency bands, each annualized on the posting's own stated terms (weekly travel rates at 52 weeks), so a rate is only ever ranked against its own band. Community-reported figures are anonymous, unverified, and reported separately.

NICU nurse pay

$110,656median posted offer#93 of 386 specialties

Read from 44 live NICU postings that state pay — 16% above the all-nursing median of $95,680. Updated September 10, 2026.

Where does your pay sit in NICU?

Checked against 44 live postings that state pay. Your number stays in your browser.

Enter your pay to see your percentile.

Posted offers on live listings — not take-home pay or a promise of what any one nurse will earn.

Where NICU pays the most

#	State	Median	Top 10% from	Postings
1	California	$118,290	$136k	6
2	North Carolina	$99,320	$112k	6

What to do with this

See the rolesSee NICU roles on the boardEvery posting behind these numbers is a live job you can open and apply to.
Offer in hand?Run it through the offer reality calculatorTurn it into a full-year number, see what it's worth where you'd live, and compare offers side by side.
3-minute PULSEFind the work that brings out your bestPay is one axis. Your pace, decision style, connection, scope, and energy rhythm shape the rest.
CommunityAsk nurses what they really take homeDifferentials, ratios, and the offer nobody posts. Bring your number and compare notes.

Want the craft behind the numbers — differentials, negotiating, travel packages? Read the pay & salary guides.

Questions nurses ask

How much do NICU nurses make?: Across 44 live NICU postings that state pay, the median offer is $110,656 a year. The middle half runs $95,771–$127,494, and the top 10% start at $142,505.
Does NICU pay more than nursing overall?: NICU ranks #93 of 386 specialties on posted pay. Its median is 16% above the all-nursing median of $95,680.
Which states pay NICU nurses the most?: By posted median right now: #1 California ($118,290), #2 North Carolina ($99,320). Rankings move as postings change — this page updates continuously.
Where do these numbers come from?: Midpoint of stated salary ranges on live nursing job postings; values outside $20,000–$800,000/yr treated as parse artifacts and excluded; groups under 5 postings suppressed. Headline figures blend every employment type; `employmentTypes` splits the same postings into staff, travel, PRN and agency bands, each annualized on the posting's own stated terms (weekly travel rates at 52 weeks), so a rate is only ever ranked against its own band. Community-reported figures are anonymous, unverified, and reported separately.