Riverside vs Bakersfield: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Riverside, CA and Bakersfield, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,357▲ | $80,469 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.12▲ | $38.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,041▲ | $65,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,891▲ | $70,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,668▲ | $84,391 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,491▲ | $96,673 |
| Total Employed | 8,200▲ | 1,480 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bakersfield.
The salary gap between Riverside and Bakersfield is $888 (1.10%). 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 Riverside spans $32,450,Bakersfield spans $31,065. Riverside 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, Bakersfield ($79,762 effective) pays 4.36% 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 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
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,762)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Riverside grew 36.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Bakersfield over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$56,250 (2019) → $76,970 (2025)
Bakersfield, CA
$56,180 (2019) → $76,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Riverside or Bakersfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Bakersfield?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Bakersfield as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Riverside vs Bakersfield?
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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