Newport Beach vs Riverside: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Newport Beach, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport Beach, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,892 | $164,832▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.83 | $79.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,064▲ | $105,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,425▲ | $134,029 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,942 | $190,707▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,653 | $210,808▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 3,400▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newport Beach.
The salary gap between Newport Beach and Riverside is $2,940 (1.82%). Riverside's median is +14.87% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport Beach spans $82,589,Riverside spans $105,098. Riverside has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($154,856 effective) pays 8.18% more than Newport Beach ($143,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,832/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,808)
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,856)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Newport Beach grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Newport Beach, CA
$173,703 (2024) → $158,983 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$149,040 (2019) → $161,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport Beach, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Newport Beach or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport Beach and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Newport Beach to Riverside as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Newport Beach vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov