Riverside vs Santa Rosa: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Rosa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,357 | $97,857▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.12 | $47.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,041 | $78,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,891 | $83,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,668 | $105,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,491 | $116,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,200▲ | 870 |
Verdict
Santa Rosa, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Rosa is $16,500 (20.28%). Santa Rosa's median is +43.76% 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,Santa Rosa spans $38,073. Santa Rosa 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, Santa Rosa ($90,790 effective) pays 18.78% 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 Santa Rosa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,857/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,587)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,790)
- ✓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 39.3% growth in Santa Rosa over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$56,250 (2019) → $76,970 (2025)
Santa Rosa, CA
$66,460 (2019) → $92,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Riverside or Santa Rosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Rosa?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Rosa as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Riverside vs Santa Rosa?
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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