Costa Mesa vs Riverside: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,913▲ | $81,357 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.35▲ | $39.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,051 | $66,041▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,884▲ | $72,891 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,261▲ | $87,668 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,300▲ | $98,491 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 8,200▲ |
Verdict
Costa Mesa, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Riverside is $2,556 (3.14%). Costa Mesa's median is +23.27% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $48,249,Riverside spans $32,450. Costa Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($76,433 effective) pays 3.02% more than Costa Mesa ($74,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,913/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,300)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,433)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Costa Mesa grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$88,640 (2024) → $79,388 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$56,250 (2019) → $76,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Costa Mesa or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to Riverside as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Costa Mesa vs Riverside?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov