Registered Nurses Salary in Riverside, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Median annual salary $130,160 +39.1% vs national
Median hourly $62.58
10th percentile $97,780
90th percentile $171,040
Employed locally 34,570
National median $93,600

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    In Riverside, CA, the typical registered nurse earns a median annual salary of $130,160, which translates to approximately $62.58 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national median for registered nurses, which stands at $93,600 annually. When compared to the local household income in Riverside, where the area's median income is $86,031, a nurse’s salary significantly exceeds typical earnings for households in the region. The financial standing of registered nurses in this locality suggests that they are well-compensated relative to other professions and contribute substantially more to household incomes than many other occupations.

    The earnings of registered nurses in Riverside, CA, exhibit considerable variation based on experience levels. Entry-level nurses tend to earn closer to the 10th percentile range, around $97,780 annually, while those with significant experience and expertise can reach salaries near the 90th percentile, approximately $171,040 per year. This disparity is driven by factors such as years of service, specialized skills, certifications, and responsibilities within the healthcare setting. Experienced nurses often command higher wages due to their developed proficiency in critical care areas, leadership roles, or advanced practice positions, which require a deeper level of knowledge and expertise compared to entry-level positions.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $97,780
    25th
    $109,210
    50th (median)
    $130,160
    75th
    $164,250
    90th
    $171,040

    Riverside economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,031 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 151% Median Registered Nurses salary is 51% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Riverside?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Riverside, CA is $62.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $83.12 or more per hour.

    Is Riverside above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Riverside, CA is 39.1% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Riverside?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $97,780 per year in Riverside, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $109,210.