Charleston vs Wheeling: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Charleston, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,962▲ | $52,205 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.94▲ | $25.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,299▲ | $30,468 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,691▲ | $43,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,072▲ | $66,823 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,642▲ | $80,918 |
| Total Employed | 10▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Charleston and Wheeling is $1,757 (3.37%). 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,Wheeling spans $50,450. 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 3.37% more than Wheeling ($60,353 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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$40,882 (2024) → $53,170 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$39,551 (2024) → $51,439 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Charleston or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Wheeling?
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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