Riverside vs San Bernardino: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Riverside, CA and San Bernardino, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Bernardino, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,747 | $64,827▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.13 | $31.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,104 | $37,600▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,212▲ | $49,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,173 | $82,978▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,173 | $100,482▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,080▲ | 33 |
Verdict
San Bernardino, CA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Bernardino is $80 (0.12%). San Bernardino's median is +20.90% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $29,069,San Bernardino spans $62,882. San Bernardino has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($60,828 effective) pays 6.12% more than San Bernardino ($57,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,828)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Bernardino if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,827/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,482)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Riverside grew 109.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -40.5% growth in San Bernardino over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$30,400 (2021) → $63,790 (2025)
San Bernardino, CA
$107,306 (2024) → $63,869 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Bernardino, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Riverside or San Bernardino?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Bernardino?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Bernardino as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Riverside vs San Bernardino?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov