Bellingham vs Vancouver: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Bellingham, WA and Vancouver, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Vancouver, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,244▲ | $62,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.29▲ | $30.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,162▲ | $36,423 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,733▲ | $51,309 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,632▲ | $80,381 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,328▲ | $97,337 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 37▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vancouver.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Vancouver is $6,446 (10.26%). Bellingham's median is +7.31% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $67,166,Vancouver spans $60,914. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($64,473 effective) pays 10.26% more than Vancouver ($58,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,244/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,328)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,473)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓Larger job market (37 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Bellingham grew -15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -24.4% growth in Vancouver over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$80,481 (2024) → $68,227 (2025)
Vancouver, WA
$81,879 (2024) → $61,876 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Vancouver, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Bellingham or Vancouver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Vancouver?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Vancouver as a flight attendant?
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Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% 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 Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov