What the numbers say
About 34,570 Registered Nurses work in the Riverside metro, which puts it among the larger nursing markets in California. The 2024 median annual wage was $130,160, roughly 38% above the national median of $94,511. That is a wide gap in absolute terms, though it sits about 7% below the California state median of $140,330, which is driven upward by higher-paying markets in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
The spread between the lowest and highest earners here is notable. Nurses at the 10th percentile earned around $97,780, while those at the 90th earned $171,040. That works out to top earners making roughly 75% more than those at the entry end. In nursing, that kind of range usually reflects differences in specialty, shift type, and years of experience rather than employer size alone.
The average wage of $135,680 runs about $5,500 above the median. A portion of nurses in higher-paying specialties or overtime-heavy roles pull that figure up, though the gap is not dramatic by California standards.
Riverside's position below the state median is fairly typical for Inland Empire metros. Wages here track closer to Central Valley markets than to coastal ones. For a nurse relocating from most other states, the Riverside figures still represent a meaningful step up.
Salary distribution
Where Riverside registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $107,730 and $165,500, with a median of $133,940.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Registered Nurses
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Riverside metro compares to other major California metro areas for registered nurses.
- San Jose$216,740
- San Francisco$186,610
- Sacramento$171,460
- San Diego$139,520
- Los Angeles$135,560
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Riverside, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Riverside metropolitan area is $133,940.
- Does Riverside pay more than the California state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Riverside metro median is -4.5% versus the California state median of $140,270.
- How does Riverside compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Riverside metro median is +36.2% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Riverside?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $100,510 and the 90th-percentile at $172,900 for the Riverside metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Riverside CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.