Critical Care Nurses
O*NET 29-1141.03 · SOC 29-1141
Critical Care Nurse is a solid career choice. Median pay is $98k a year with +5.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 180,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Monitor ventilator settings and adjust based on patient status.
- →Administer and titrate vasoactive drips for hemodynamically unstable patients.
- →Perform rapid assessments of patients showing sudden clinical deterioration.
- →Coordinate care during emergencies such as septic shock or respiratory failure.
- →Interpret arterial blood gas results and adjust oxygen therapy accordingly.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Critical Care Nurse roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Critical Care Nurse involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Critical Care Nurse?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Critical Care Nurse Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Critical Care Nurses is projected to grow 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Critical Care Nurse make?
The median Critical Care Nurse earns $98k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Critical Care Nurse jobs?
Our model puts Critical Care Nurse at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Critical Care Nurse a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 180,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Critical Care Nurse?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Critical Care Nurse roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Critical Care Nurse?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Critical Care Nurse career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes