Bristol vs Chesapeake: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Bristol, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,037 | $68,857▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.79 | $33.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,650 | $39,937▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,297 | $56,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,967 | $88,137▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,257 | $106,728▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 63▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Chesapeake is $4,820 (7.53%). Chesapeake's median is +6.71% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $61,607,Chesapeake spans $66,791. Chesapeake 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, Chesapeake ($66,722 effective) pays 7.53% more than Bristol ($62,051 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,857/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,728)
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,722)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Bristol grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$67,483 (2024) → $63,097 (2025)
Chesapeake, VA
$72,562 (2024) → $67,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Bristol or Chesapeake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Chesapeake?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Chesapeake 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