Flight Attendant Salary

Birmingham vs Gadsden: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Birmingham, AL and Gadsden, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Birmingham, AL
$58,664
$28.20/hr
Gadsden, AL
$54,004
$25.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALGadsden, AL
Median Salary$58,664$54,004
Hourly Rate$28.20$25.96
Entry Level (P10)$34,026$32,943
25th Percentile$46,028$45,852
75th Percentile$75,090$69,125
Top Earner (P90)$90,930$83,706
Total Employed517
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($58,664) and Gadsden ($54,004) flight attendant salaries.BirminghamGadsdenMedian Salary$58,664$54,004Entry Level (P10)$34,026$32,943Top Earner (P90)$90,930$83,706US Median $64,527

Verdict

Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.

The salary gap between Birmingham and Gadsden is $4,660 (8.63%). Birmingham's median is -9.09% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $56,904,Gadsden spans $50,763. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$34,026
P25$46,028
Median$58,664
P75$75,090
P90 (Top)$90,930
Gadsden
P10 (Entry)$32,943
P25$45,852
Median$54,004
P75$69,125
P90 (Top)$83,706

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($66,739 effective) pays 8.63% more than Gadsden ($61,438 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $58,664
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $66,739
Gadsden
Nominal: $54,004
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $61,438

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,664/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,930)
  • Larger job market (51 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,739)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Gadsden if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Birmingham grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Gadsden over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+13.8%

$50,809 (2024) → $57,803 (2025)

Gadsden, AL

+13.8%

$46,773 (2024) → $53,211 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Birmingham or Gadsden?

Birmingham has a higher median flight attendant salary at $58,664/year, compared to Gadsden at $54,004/year — a difference of $4,660 (8.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Gadsden?

Birmingham flight attendants earn $28.20/hr while Gadsden hygienists earn $25.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Birmingham to Gadsden as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Gadsden. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $66,739, Gadsden = $61,438), job availability (51 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Birmingham vs Gadsden?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $34,026 in Birmingham and $32,943 in Gadsden. The Birmingham area offers higher starting salaries.
EJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Raj Patel, AFA-CWAData verified by Maria Gomez, AFA-CWA

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