Redwood City vs Riverside: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Redwood City, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Redwood City, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,764 | $49,448▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.44 | $23.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,309 | $41,482▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,458 | $47,148▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,804▲ | $51,940 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,961▲ | $59,470 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 9,940▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Redwood City.
The salary gap between Redwood City and Riverside is $684 (1.40%). Riverside's median is +9.87% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Redwood City spans $19,652,Riverside spans $17,988. Redwood City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($46,455 effective) pays 7.75% more than Redwood City ($43,116 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Redwood City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,961)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,448/year)
- ✓Larger job market (9,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,455)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Redwood City grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Redwood City, CA
$48,677 (2024) → $45,788 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$33,930 (2019) → $46,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Redwood City, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Redwood City or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Redwood City and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Redwood City to Riverside as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Redwood City vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov