Last Updated: April 2026

ICU Nurse Salary in North Dakota (2026)

ICU Nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $79,530/year ($38.24/hr) in 2026 — 17% below the national average of $95,270/year. North Dakota ranks #34 out of 50 states for ICU Nurse pay.

ICU Nurse Salary in North Dakota vs. Other States

The table below shows the top 5 highest-paying states for ICU Nurses alongside North Dakota and the national average.

ICU Nurse Salary by State — Top 5 + North Dakota

StateAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly Rate
California$146,999$70.67/hr
Hawaii$124,642$59.92/hr
Massachusetts$113,650$54.64/hr
New York$110,111$52.94/hr
Oregon$108,733$52.28/hr
North Dakota (your state, #34)$79,530$38.24/hr
National Average$95,270$45.80/hr

Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections

ICU Nurse Salary in North Dakota by Experience

Experience is a major driver of pay. In North Dakota, a new grad ICU Nurse starts around $63,624/year, while a nurse with 16+ years earns up to $103,389/year.

ICU Nurse Pay by Experience — North Dakota

Experience LevelAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly Rate
New Grad (0–1 yr)$63,624$30.59/hr
2–3 years$71,577$34.41/hr
4–6 years$79,530$38.24/hr
7–10 years$89,074$42.82/hr
11–15 years$97,027$46.65/hr
16+ years$103,389$49.71/hr

Source: NurseSalaryIntel survey data, 2026

Certifications & Pay Impact in North Dakota

CCRN certification typically adds $4,000–$7,000/year on top of base salary in North Dakota.

Travel ICU Nurse Pay in North Dakota

Travel ICU Nurses in North Dakota typically earn 35–70% more than staff nurses — roughly $119,295$135,201/year when annualized. The premium reflects facility demand, housing stipends, and contract flexibility.

See travel nurse specialty salary data →

National ICU Nurse Salary Overview

For the full national picture — all 50 states, experience breakdowns, and certification premiums — see the complete ICU Nurse salary guide.

View full ICU Nursesalary guide — all states, experience levels & certifications →

📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a ICU Nurse make in North Dakota?
The average ICU Nurse salary in North Dakota is $79,530/year ($38.24/hr) in 2026. That is 17% below the national average of $95,270/year.
What is the hourly rate for a ICU Nurse in North Dakota?
ICU Nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $38.24/hr in 2026. With night shift differentials ($3–$8/hr extra) the effective rate is often higher.
How does North Dakota rank for ICU Nurse pay?
North Dakota ranks #34 out of 50 states for ICU Nurse salary. The top-paying state is California at $146,999/year.
Does CCRN certification increase pay in North Dakota?
Yes. CCRN-certified ICU Nurses in North Dakota typically earn $4,000–$7,000 more per year than non-certified nurses in the same role. Many hospital systems also pay a certification differential of $1–$3/hr.
FREE DOWNLOAD

Download your free nursing contract audit kit — scripts, checklists, and counter-offer language

  • Word-for-word counter-offer emails for each red flag clause
  • Scripts for negotiating with recruiters by phone
  • Legal addendum language to modify bad clauses
  • What to say if they push back or say "it's standard"

Instant access · Free · No credit card