Merced vs Riverside: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Merced, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,216 | $81,357▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.57 | $39.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,365 | $66,041▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,219 | $72,891▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,795 | $87,668▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,942 | $98,491▲ |
| Total Employed | 300 | 8,200▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Riverside is $1,141 (1.42%). Riverside's median is +19.52% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $22,577,Riverside spans $32,450. Riverside has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Merced ($81,624 effective) pays 6.79% more than Riverside ($76,433 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,624)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,357/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,491)
- ✓Larger job market (8,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Merced grew 53.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Merced, CA
$49,420 (2019) → $75,890 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$56,250 (2019) → $76,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Merced or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Merced to Riverside as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Merced vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
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