Riverside vs Thousand Oaks: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Riverside, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Thousand Oaks, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,747 | $92,690▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.13 | $44.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,104 | $60,090▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,212 | $71,430▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,173 | $118,643▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,173 | $143,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,080▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Thousand Oaks, CA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Thousand Oaks is $27,943 (43.16%). Thousand Oaks's median is +72.86% 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,Thousand Oaks spans $83,579. Thousand Oaks 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, Thousand Oaks ($81,954 effective) pays 34.73% more than Riverside ($60,828 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)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Thousand Oaks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,669)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,954)
- ✓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 -12.8% growth in Thousand Oaks over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$30,400 (2021) → $63,790 (2025)
Thousand Oaks, CA
$104,668 (2024) → $91,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Riverside or Thousand Oaks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Thousand Oaks?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Thousand Oaks as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Riverside vs Thousand Oaks?
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