Chico vs Riverside: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Chico, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,123 | $141,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.48 | $67.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,891▲ | $105,847 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,859▲ | $113,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,675 | $174,288▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,675 | $182,081▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,170 | 35,290▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and Riverside is $6,929 (5.17%). Riverside's median is +37.30% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $59,784,Riverside spans $76,234. Riverside has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chico ($132,537 effective) pays 0.02% more than Riverside ($132,515 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,537)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,081)
- ✓Larger job market (35,290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Chico grew 55.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Chico, CA
$82,120 (2019) → $127,360 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$103,660 (2019) → $133,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Chico or Riverside?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov