Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,211 | $59,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.47 | $28.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,342 | $34,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,015 | $46,201▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,791 | $75,911▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,777 | $91,924▲ |
| Total Employed | 36▲ | 35 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $95 (0.16%). Knoxville's median is -8.09% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $57,435,Knoxville spans $57,527. Knoxville 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, Knoxville ($64,603 effective) pays 0.16% more than Chattanooga ($64,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,306/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,924)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,603)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Chattanooga grew 8.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$54,024 (2024) → $58,342 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$54,110 (2024) → $58,435 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
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