Riverside vs Oxnard: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Riverside, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,984▲ | $159,898 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.20▲ | $76.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,877 | $110,976▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $141,259▲ | $136,744 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,549▲ | $174,962 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,447▲ | $203,406 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.
The salary gap between Riverside and Oxnard is $11,086 (6.93%). Riverside's median is +21.79% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $151,570,Oxnard spans $92,430. Riverside 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 ($160,636 effective) pays 11.04% more than Oxnard ($144,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($170,984/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,447)
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,636)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Riverside grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$129,750 (2019) → $165,490 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$128,230 (2019) → $154,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Riverside or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Oxnard as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Riverside vs Oxnard?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov