Riverside vs Stockton: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Riverside, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,987▲ | $102,957 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.48▲ | $49.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,966 | $80,366▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,635 | $100,834▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,445▲ | $107,842 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,931▲ | $134,854 |
| Total Employed | 6,010▲ | 930 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between Riverside and Stockton is $2,030 (1.97%). Riverside's median is +33.67% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $77,965,Stockton spans $54,488. 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 ($98,633 effective) pays 0.68% more than Stockton ($97,971 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 ($104,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,931)
- ✓Larger job market (6,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,633)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Riverside grew 0.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$101,700 (2019) → $101,870 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$91,010 (2019) → $99,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Riverside or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Stockton as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Riverside vs Stockton?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov