Riverside vs Stockton: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Riverside, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,782▲ | $164,641 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.51▲ | $79.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,137▲ | $124,543 |
| 25th Percentile | $160,627▲ | $135,064 |
| 75th Percentile | $202,421▲ | $181,979 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,352 | $221,776▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,710▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between Riverside and Stockton is $11,141 (6.77%). Riverside's median is +28.44% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $86,215,Stockton spans $97,233. Stockton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($165,143 effective) pays 5.41% more than Stockton ($156,668 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 ($175,782/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,143)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($221,776)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Riverside grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$130,760 (2019) → $169,920 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$121,140 (2019) → $159,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Riverside or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Stockton as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Riverside vs Stockton?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov