Riverside vs Fresno: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Riverside, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,804▲ | $166,215 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.64▲ | $79.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,813▲ | $74,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,581▲ | $123,326 |
| 75th Percentile | $226,057▲ | $194,083 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $288,400▲ | $260,248 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between Riverside and Fresno is $3,589 (2.16%). Riverside's median is +23.64% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $201,587,Fresno spans $185,712. 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, Fresno ($162,704 effective) pays 1.99% more than Riverside ($159,527 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 ($169,804/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($288,400)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,704)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Riverside grew 23.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 69.4% growth in Fresno over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$130,250 (2019) → $160,860 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$92,940 (2019) → $157,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Riverside or Fresno?
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Should I relocate from Riverside to Fresno as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov