How much does a IVA nurse make

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  2. IVA nurse
Image that illustrates IVA nurse

IVA nurse

51 000 kr

Intensive care nurses

46 300 - 62 000 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Hälso- & sjukvård

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression IVA nurse

Average salary 51 000 kr
Males 51 500 kr
Females 50 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 13 Vacant jobs ->

What does an ICU nurse do? – Tasks and work environment

An ICU nurse works in intensive care and is responsible for monitoring and caring for patients with life-threatening conditions. Tasks include advanced monitoring of vital functions, medication administration, handling of medical equipment, and close collaboration with doctors and other healthcare staff. The work often involves shifts, including day, evening, and night shifts, requiring high stress tolerance, precision, and quick decision-making. The work environment is characterized by technical equipment, high alertness, and a great responsibility for patients’ lives and health.

Salary development over time

The salary for an ICU nurse has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,800 kronor per month, which increased to 48 900 kronor in 2023 and further to 51 000 kronor in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of about 9% over three years, which is significantly higher than salary growth in many other healthcare professions. The reasons for the increase can be linked to a higher demand for specialized skills, especially during and after the pandemic, as well as employers’ efforts to retain and attract trained staff. The market’s need for intensive care nurses has also contributed to driving up salaries, particularly in regions with shortages.

ICU nurse salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 51 000 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 46,300 kr/month (female, private sector employee)
  • Highest salary: 62,000 kr/month (female, private sector employee with research education)
  • Hourly wage: 307 kr/hour
  • Women earn: 50 900 kr/month (99% of men’s salary)
  • Men earn: 51 500 kr/month
  • Regional differences: Varies, highest in metropolitan areas and among private employers

Education and qualifications

To work as an ICU nurse, you first need licensure as a registered nurse, followed by a one-year specialist training in intensive care. The education includes both theoretical studies and extensive practical training in intensive care units. Many employers also prefer candidates with experience in emergency care or similar fields. Continuing education and certifications are common parts of professional development.

  • Registered nurse: Basic education of 3 years (bachelor's degree)
  • Specialist training in intensive care: 1 year (master’s level)
  • Practical training: Conducted during both basic and specialist education
  • Certifications: Often required for advanced courses in medical technology and emergency care
  • Prerequisites: Licensure as a nurse and work experience are often advantageous

Few other professions in healthcare involve as close collaboration across professional boundaries as intensive care. Here, nurses work side by side with doctors, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses to make quick, crucial decisions—often when every second counts.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, ICU nurses are often offered overtime pay for unsocial hours, extra compensation for night and weekend work, and opportunities for bonuses for extra shifts. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, skills development, staff health services, and sometimes subsidized further training. Several employers also provide pension contributions beyond the statutory requirements.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an ICU nurse is relatively low due to high demand and limited numbers of trained professionals. However, the job presents challenges such as a fast pace, emotionally demanding situations, and constant readiness for emergency interventions. The work environment can be physically and psychologically taxing, especially during periods of high occupancy or serious incidents. The ability to handle difficult situations, collaborate effectively, and maintain focus under pressure is crucial for success. Despite these challenges, many are attracted to the profession because of its meaningful work and significant opportunities for professional growth.

Tips for aspiring ICU nurses

To succeed as an ICU nurse, it’s important to have a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Stress resilience is vital, especially in acute situations where every second counts, and good teamwork skills facilitate effective collaboration with colleagues from various disciplines. Being attentive and empathetic towards patients and relatives creates security in difficult moments, while a careful and structured working style reduces the risk of errors. Continuous skills development, such as participating in courses or workshops, makes it easier to stay updated with new technology and methods. Applying for internships in intensive care units during your basic training provides valuable insights into the profession and helps establish important contacts for the future.

Key facts about ICU nurses

  • Education level: Bachelor's degree + master's in intensive care (4 years total)
  • Work environment: Hospitals, mainly intensive care units
  • Typical work arrangement: Shift work, including nights and weekends
  • Demand: High, 375 job openings in Sweden (May 2024)
  • Special skills: Advanced patient monitoring and medical technology

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, opportunities open up for roles such as section supervisor, training coordinator, or specialist nurse with further specialization in areas like pediatric intensive care or anesthesia. Some choose to pursue research or teaching roles at universities or work as consultants in medical technology development. The Swedish Employment Agency indicates high demand for ICU nurses, although detailed forecasts are limited. The large number of available positions suggests good prospects for employment and salary growth in the future.

Common questions about ICU nurses

  • What does an ICU nurse earn?
    - An ICU nurse has an average salary of 51 000 kronor per month.
  • How do you become an ICU nurse?
    - First, you need licensure as a registered nurse, followed by a one-year specialist training in intensive care.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 99% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the working hours for an ICU nurse?
    - Work is often in shifts, including nights and weekends.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is high, with many job openings across the country.
  • Who are the most common employers?
    - Most work in regional hospitals, but private employers are also present.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Stress resilience, teamwork skills, and accuracy are especially important for the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 21:23:03

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a IVA nurse is 62000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 57000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a IVA nurse is 46300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 50700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 99% 39500 kr 44000 kr
35-44 97% 43600 kr 48200 kr
45-54 96% 47700 kr 52700 kr
55-64 98% 50000 kr 55100 kr
65-68 52000 kr 56800 kr
Snitt 99% 46200 kr 51000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession IVA nurse has the SSYK code 2228, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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