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Cardiac Intensivist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cardiac Intensivist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$379.9K

$391.1K

$412.4K

How much do cardiac intensivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for cardiac intensivist in Chicago, IL is $391,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $381,500.00 and $412,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cardiac intensivist?

A Cardiac Intensivist is a physician who specializes in the intensive care of patients with severe cardiac conditions. They work in cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) and manage critically ill patients with heart failure, arrhythmias, post-cardiac surgery recovery, and other life-threatening cardiovascular issues. Their role includes interpreting diagnostic tests, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and making urgent decisions to stabilize patients. Typically trained in cardiology, critical care, or both, they use advanced technologies like mechanical circulatory support and ECMO. Their goal is to provide specialized, life-saving treatment for the most complex heart cases.

What is a typical workday like for a cardiac intensivist in a hospital setting?

A typical day for a Cardiac Intensivist involves managing critically ill cardiac patients in the intensive care unit, conducting patient rounds, and collaborating closely with cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and respiratory therapists. You may perform advanced procedures such as hemodynamic monitoring, oversee mechanical circulatory support devices, and rapidly respond to medical emergencies. Expect a dynamic environment requiring frequent interdisciplinary communication and quick clinical decision-making to address rapidly changing patient conditions. Shifts can be demanding, often including nights and weekends, but provide opportunities for ongoing learning and significant impact on patient care and outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cardiac intensivist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiac Intensivist, you need comprehensive expertise in critical care, cardiology, and advanced life support, generally acquired through a medical degree, residency, and specialized fellowship training. Board certification in cardiology or critical care, proficiency with cardiac monitoring equipment, ECMO, and electronic medical records are typically required. Strong decision-making, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure make candidates stand out in this high-stakes specialty. These skills are vital for ensuring optimal patient outcomes and seamless collaboration in fast-paced, multidisciplinary cardiac intensive care environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cardiac Intensivist jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cardiac Intensivist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Cardiac Intensivist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Cardiac Intensivist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cardiac Intensivist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cardiac Intensivist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Cardiac Intensivist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $391,055 per year, or $188 per hour.

Intensivist, Cardiothoracic Critical Care

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$403K - $494K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job ID 53891
Location Chicago, Illinois
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Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine seek a full-time Intensivist at the rank of Assistant, Associate Professor or Full Professor. This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving team of clinicians, educators, and researchers and to contribute to the future vision for critical care services at Northwestern Medicine, one of the premier academic medical systems in the nation. Furthermore, the Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery teams are highly ranked nationally and are undergoing rapid expansion.

The ideal candidate will have established clinical expertise in delivery of care to cardiac and thoracic surgery patients. In addition, academic interests, which may be in the basic, translational, clinical trial, or health services outcomes research, would be welcome. We will entertain applications from suitable candidates from different clinical backgrounds such as surgery, anesthesiology, pulmonary, cardiology, or emergency medicine.

Clinical practice of the candidate should be focused on delivery of critical care in the multiple cardiothoracic intensive care units at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. They will also be expected to contribute to the education of Medical Students and residents.

Salary Range: $403,410 - $494,535

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.


Qualified candidates must (1) be board certified by their primary specialty, and in critical care and (2) be able to obtain permanent Illinois licensure.

The start date is negotiable and the position will remain open until filled.

When applying, please upload a CV and cover letter describing your interest and alignment with the position.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

  • Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
  • Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.

  • All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.
  • Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


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