Riverside vs San Luis Obispo: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Riverside, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,357 | $84,497▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.12 | $40.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,041 | $69,434▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,891 | $78,778▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,668 | $95,014▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,491 | $113,395▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,200▲ | 440 |
Verdict
San Luis Obispo, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Luis Obispo is $3,140 (3.86%). San Luis Obispo's median is +24.13% 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,San Luis Obispo spans $43,961. San Luis Obispo 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, San Luis Obispo ($77,809 effective) pays 1.80% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (8,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Luis Obispo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,497/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,395)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,809)
- ✓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 34.1% growth in San Luis Obispo over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$56,250 (2019) → $76,970 (2025)
San Luis Obispo, CA
$59,600 (2019) → $79,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Riverside or San Luis Obispo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Luis Obispo?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Luis Obispo as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Riverside vs San Luis Obispo?
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