Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
62 Highest Paying Jobs in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA (2026)
The highest-paying job in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA, California is Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a median salary of $375,400 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 62 tracked occupations the average median is $113,855, with 37 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 122.4 (national average = 100), so a $113,855 nominal salary equals $93,019 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 62 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA, CA, from BLS OEWS data. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA's cost-of-living index runs 122.4 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Riverside-San Bernardino, CA, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Riverside-San Bernardino, CA's cost-of-living index of 122.4 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $375,400 · 10th–90th $79,390–$377,370 · 280 jobs in metro
Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $375,400 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $377,370. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $306,699 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $298,890 · 10th–90th $131,990–$475,480 · 0 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $298,890 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $475,480. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $244,191 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $176,320 · 10th–90th $108,340–$277,230 · 2,270 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $176,320 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $277,230. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $144,052 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $169,920 · 10th–90th $130,630–$213,970 · 1,710 jobs in metro
Nurse Practitioners in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $169,920 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $213,970. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $138,824 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $165,490 · 10th–90th $77,310–$224,010 · 1,020 jobs in metro
Physician Assistants in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $165,490 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $224,010. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $135,204 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $161,870 · 10th–90th $103,810–$207,020 · 3,400 jobs in metro
Pharmacists in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $161,870 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $207,020. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $132,247 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $160,860 · 10th–90th $82,240–$273,210 · 660 jobs in metro
Veterinarians in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $160,860 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $273,210. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $131,422 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $160,230 · 10th–90th $89,080–$283,940 · 4,120 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $160,230 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $283,940. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $130,907 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $157,670 · 10th–90th $73,120–$264,440 · 1,840 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $157,670 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $264,440. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $128,815 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $148,500 · 10th–90th $76,720–$250,700 · 520 jobs in metro
Business Professor (Postsecondary)s in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA earn $148,500 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $250,700. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $121,324 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Full Ranking (62 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Healthcare | $375,400 | $79,390–$377,370 | $306,699 | 280 |
| 2 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $298,890 | $131,990–$475,480 | $244,191 | 0 |
| 3 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $176,320 | $108,340–$277,230 | $144,052 | 2,270 |
| 4 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $169,920 | $130,630–$213,970 | $138,824 | 1,710 |
| 5 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $165,490 | $77,310–$224,010 | $135,204 | 1,020 |
| 6 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $161,870 | $103,810–$207,020 | $132,247 | 3,400 |
| 7 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $160,860 | $82,240–$273,210 | $131,422 | 660 |
| 8 | Financial Manager | Finance | $160,230 | $89,080–$283,940 | $130,907 | 4,120 |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | Management | $157,670 | $73,120–$264,440 | $128,815 | 1,840 |
| 10 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $148,500 | $76,720–$250,700 | $121,324 | 520 |
| 11 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $139,010 | $59,940–$231,810 | $113,570 | 1,630 |
| 12 | Software Quality Assurance Analyst | Technology | $137,330 | $91,620–$176,760 | $112,198 | 150 |
| 13 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $135,010 | $73,380–$214,740 | $110,302 | 6,920 |
| 14 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $133,940 | $100,510–$172,900 | $109,428 | 35,290 |
| 15 | Software Developer | Technology | $133,270 | $85,090–$205,760 | $108,881 | 4,150 |
| 16 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $129,990 | $104,170–$206,330 | $106,201 | 510 |
| 17 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $128,110 | $74,630–$181,170 | $104,665 | 400 |
| 18 | Dentist | Healthcare | $125,230 | $98,370–$217,880 | $102,312 | 1,560 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $120,110 | $97,370–$164,370 | $98,129 | 2,240 |
| 20 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $119,530 | $86,490–$150,490 | $97,655 | 1,110 |
| 21 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $118,560 | $59,590–$146,240 | $96,863 | 2,120 |
| 22 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $115,120 | $75,390–$168,820 | $94,052 | 3,510 |
| 23 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $114,970 | $68,870–$182,710 | $93,930 | 350 |
| 24 | Data Scientist | Technology | $112,910 | $66,690–$209,100 | $92,247 | 1,000 |
| 25 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $109,990 | $76,570–$166,680 | $89,861 | 1,150 |
| 26 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $105,730 | $102,140–$126,940 | $86,381 | 1,860 |
| 27 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $105,720 | $61,110–$157,260 | $86,373 | 450 |
| 28 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $105,030 | $77,020–$154,910 | $85,809 | 1,970 |
| 29 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $104,910 | $66,390–$157,640 | $85,711 | 1,420 |
| 30 | Sales Manager | Management | $103,220 | $57,650–$214,340 | $84,330 | 8,080 |
| 31 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $102,260 | $51,710–$220,690 | $83,546 | 23,090 |
| 32 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $101,810 | $63,630–$144,870 | $83,178 | 390 |
| 33 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $101,700 | $67,370–$153,430 | $83,088 | 1,580 |
| 34 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $101,150 | $65,640–$170,390 | $82,639 | 1,050 |
| 35 | Architect | Engineering | $100,460 | $66,540–$169,660 | $82,075 | 410 |
| 36 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $100,130 | $62,980–$133,990 | $81,806 | 12,450 |
| 37 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $100,110 | $63,660–$157,530 | $81,789 | 1,200 |
| 38 | Database Architect | Technology | $99,870 | $56,950–$152,430 | $81,593 | 370 |
| 39 | Network Architect | Technology | $99,030 | $69,090–$147,450 | $80,907 | 1,540 |
| 40 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $98,520 | $62,330–$130,850 | $80,490 | 18,850 |
| 41 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $97,300 | $59,700–$188,440 | $79,493 | 0 |
| 42 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $96,890 | $48,340–$168,750 | $79,158 | 2,530 |
| 43 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $96,100 | $65,490–$296,400 | $78,513 | 830 |
| 44 | Management Analyst | Management | $87,910 | $61,320–$135,140 | $71,822 | 5,150 |
| 45 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $86,510 | $60,510–$133,450 | $70,678 | 470 |
| 46 | Statistician | Technology | $86,430 | $68,940–$156,130 | $70,613 | 140 |
| 47 | Accountant | Finance | $83,920 | $57,260–$135,140 | $68,562 | 9,240 |
| 48 | Writer/Author | Creative | $78,990 | $38,940–$136,490 | $64,534 | 190 |
| 49 | Loan Officer | Finance | $78,710 | $34,490–$181,860 | $64,306 | 1,500 |
| 50 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $78,250 | $61,340–$152,070 | $63,930 | 90 |
| 51 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $77,780 | $47,770–$122,540 | $63,546 | 610 |
| 52 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $77,010 | $44,970–$128,020 | $62,917 | 1,470 |
| 53 | Electrician | Trades | $72,790 | $45,360–$139,430 | $59,469 | 7,880 |
| 54 | Web Designer | Technology | $72,400 | $41,490–$153,640 | $59,150 | 290 |
| 55 | Carpenter | Trades | $70,880 | $46,430–$111,960 | $57,908 | 12,970 |
| 56 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $69,840 | $43,120–$130,840 | $57,059 | 5,280 |
| 57 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $65,900 | $41,540–$105,810 | $53,840 | 1,370 |
| 58 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $64,210 | $36,380–$93,860 | $52,459 | 7,680 |
| 59 | Plumber | Trades | $63,920 | $48,910–$115,340 | $52,222 | 4,510 |
| 60 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $61,910 | $46,750–$100,600 | $50,580 | 1,530 |
| 61 | Paralegal | Legal | $61,460 | $49,640–$93,730 | $50,212 | 2,460 |
| 62 | Welder | Trades | $52,050 | $43,970–$76,410 | $42,525 | 3,810 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
Riverside-San Bernardino, CA's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Riverside-San Bernardino, CA's cost-of-living index of 122.4 runs 22% above the U.S. national average. Housing is the dominant driver; transportation and services are also above-average. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each salary to a national-average baseline, which is the apples-to-apples comparison when you are weighing offers across metros.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Obstetrician/Gynecologist with five-plus years of experience in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($376,385) or 90th percentile ($377,370), not the $375,400 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $375K Obstetrician/Gynecologist salary in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA (COL 122.4) translates to $307K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA is Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a median salary of $375,400 and a 90th-percentile reading of $377,370. The role employs roughly 280 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
37 of the 62 BLS-tracked occupations in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 62 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA is $113,855. The cost-of-living index is 122.4, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $93,019 in equivalent purchasing power.
Riverside-San Bernardino, CA offers high nominal salaries — the average median is $113,855 — but the cost of living index of 122.4 consumes a meaningful share of that premium. The COL-adjusted average is $93,019, which is the right comparison when weighing offers in lower-cost metros.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.