- Salary statistics
- IVA nurse salary
IVA nurse salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
52 300 - 64 400 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression IVA nurse
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 51 000 kronor in 2023 and further to 52 600 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: 52 600 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: 52 600 kr/month (99% of men’s salary)
- Men earn: 52 900 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.
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 52 600 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40600 kr | 45700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44700 kr | 49500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49300 kr | 54400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51900 kr | 56900 kr |
| 65-68 | 53800 kr | 59300 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 47600 kr | 52600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40600 kr | 45700 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44600 kr | 49500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49200 kr | 54300 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51900 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 53700 kr | 59400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47500 kr | 52600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 46700 kr | 50300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45500 kr | 48600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 49800 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 54200 kr | 57400 kr | |
| 65-68 | 55000 kr | 60400 kr | |
| Snitt | 51200 kr | 55700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40600 kr | 45700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44600 kr | 49500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49200 kr | 54300 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51800 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 53700 kr | 59300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47500 kr | 52600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49800 kr | 52800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49800 kr | 52800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 98% | 44400 kr | 50500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 50200 kr | 56400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51000 kr | 56600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 46900 kr | 52900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40500 kr | 46500 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44400 kr | 50600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 50300 kr | 56400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51100 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 54300 kr | 61000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 46900 kr | 52900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40500 kr | 46500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44400 kr | 50600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 50300 kr | 56400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51100 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 54500 kr | 61000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 46900 kr | 52900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40700 kr | 45600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 49300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49100 kr | 54100 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 52000 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 53700 kr | 59100 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 47700 kr | 52600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44600 kr | 49300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49000 kr | 54000 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 52000 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 53600 kr | 59200 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47600 kr | 52600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 46700 kr | 50300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45500 kr | 48600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 49800 kr | 56000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 54200 kr | 57400 kr | |
| Snitt | 51300 kr | 55500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44600 kr | 49300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49000 kr | 53900 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51900 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 53600 kr | 59100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47600 kr | 52500 kr |
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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