Oakland vs Riverside: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Oakland, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $184,768▲ | $164,832 |
| Hourly Rate | $88.83▲ | $79.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,006▲ | $105,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $164,219▲ | $134,029 |
| 75th Percentile | $219,281▲ | $190,707 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $241,574▲ | $210,808 |
| Total Employed | 78 | 3,400▲ |
Verdict
Oakland, CA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Oakland and Riverside is $19,936 (12.09%). Oakland's median is +28.77% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $117,568,Riverside spans $105,098. Oakland 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, Oakland ($163,367 effective) pays 5.50% more than Riverside ($154,856 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($184,768/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,574)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,367)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Oakland grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$190,689 (2024) → $181,448 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$149,040 (2019) → $161,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Oakland or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Oakland to Riverside as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Oakland vs Riverside?
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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