Charleston vs South Charleston: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Charleston, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,962▲ | $52,500 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.94▲ | $25.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,299▲ | $30,517 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,691▲ | $43,441 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,072▲ | $67,200 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,642▲ | $81,375 |
| Total Employed | 10▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and South Charleston is $1,462 (2.78%). Charleston's median is -16.37% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $52,343,South Charleston spans $50,858. Charleston 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, Charleston ($62,384 effective) pays 2.78% more than South Charleston ($60,694 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,962/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,642)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,384)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Charleston grew 30.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$40,882 (2024) → $53,170 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$39,773 (2024) → $51,729 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
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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