Flight Attendant Salary

Chesapeake vs Leesburg: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Leesburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesapeake, VA
$68,857
$33.11/hr
Leesburg, VA
$64,474
$31.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VALeesburg, VA
Median Salary$68,857$64,474
Hourly Rate$33.11$31.00
Entry Level (P10)$39,937$37,395
25th Percentile$56,715$52,410
75th Percentile$88,137$82,527
Top Earner (P90)$106,728$99,934
Total Employed6314
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($68,857) and Leesburg ($64,474) flight attendant salaries.ChesapeakeLeesburgMedian Salary$68,857$64,474Entry Level (P10)$39,937$37,395Top Earner (P90)$106,728$99,934US Median $64,527

Verdict

Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leesburg.

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Leesburg is $4,383 (6.80%). 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 Chesapeake spans $66,791,Leesburg spans $62,539. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chesapeake
P10 (Entry)$39,937
P25$56,715
Median$68,857
P75$88,137
P90 (Top)$106,728
Leesburg
P10 (Entry)$37,395
P25$52,410
Median$64,474
P75$82,527
P90 (Top)$99,934

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($66,722 effective) pays 6.80% more than Leesburg ($62,475 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $68,857
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $66,722
Leesburg
Nominal: $64,474
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $62,475

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Leesburg if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Chesapeake grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Leesburg over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+-6.5%

$72,562 (2024) → $67,846 (2025)

Leesburg, VA

+-6.5%

$67,943 (2024) → $63,527 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Chesapeake or Leesburg?

Chesapeake has a higher median flight attendant salary at $68,857/year, compared to Leesburg at $64,474/year — a difference of $4,383 (6.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Leesburg?

Chesapeake flight attendants earn $33.11/hr while Leesburg hygienists earn $31.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Leesburg as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Leesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $66,722, Leesburg = $62,475), job availability (63 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Chesapeake vs Leesburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $39,937 in Chesapeake and $37,395 in Leesburg. The Chesapeake 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