Berkeley vs Newark: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Berkeley, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berkeley, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,823 | $129,835▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.01 | $62.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,237 | $75,305▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,509 | $106,575▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,213 | $166,189▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,876 | $201,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Berkeley.
The salary gap between Berkeley and Newark is $57,012 (78.29%). Newark's median is +101.21% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berkeley spans $70,639,Newark spans $125,940. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($112,704 effective) pays 78.29% more than Berkeley ($63,214 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berkeley if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,835/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,245)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,704)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Berkeley grew -18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Newark over the same period.
Berkeley, NJ
$88,028 (2024) → $71,754 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$94,488 (2024) → $127,929 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berkeley, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Berkeley or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Berkeley and Newark?
Should I relocate from Berkeley to Newark as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Berkeley vs Newark?
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