Riverside vs Santa Cruz: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,448 | $51,056▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.77 | $24.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,482 | $41,652▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,148 | $50,162▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,940 | $54,038▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,470 | $61,472▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,940▲ | 440 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Cruz is $1,608 (3.25%). Santa Cruz's median is +13.44% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $17,988,Santa Cruz spans $19,820. Santa Cruz has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Cruz ($46,458 effective) pays 0.01% more than Riverside ($46,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (9,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,056/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,472)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,458)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Riverside grew 36.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$33,930 (2019) → $46,430 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$38,040 (2019) → $47,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Riverside or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Cruz as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Riverside vs Santa Cruz?
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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