Compensation. Salary.com reports in 2010 that the average salary for an ICU nurse is $68,111, almost $4,000 per year more than a registered nurse who is not working on the intensive care unit.CB Salary reports that the average salary for an ICU nurse is $73,491. The average salary varied by geographical location.ompensation. Salary.com reports in 2010 that the average salary for an ICU nurse is $68,111, almost $4,000 per year more than a registered nurse who is not working on the intensive care unit.