Flight Attendant Salary

Chesapeake vs Lynchburg: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

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

Chesapeake, VA
$68,857
$33.11/hr
Lynchburg, VA
$66,019
$31.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VALynchburg, VA
Median Salary$68,857$66,019
Hourly Rate$33.11$31.74
Entry Level (P10)$39,937$38,291
25th Percentile$56,715$55,523
75th Percentile$88,137$84,505
Top Earner (P90)$106,728$102,330
Total Employed6312
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($68,857) and Lynchburg ($66,019) flight attendant salaries.ChesapeakeLynchburgMedian Salary$68,857$66,019Entry Level (P10)$39,937$38,291Top Earner (P90)$106,728$102,330US Median $64,527

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Lynchburg is $2,838 (4.30%). 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,Lynchburg spans $64,039. 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
Lynchburg
P10 (Entry)$38,291
P25$55,523
Median$66,019
P75$84,505
P90 (Top)$102,330

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($66,722 effective) pays 4.30% more than Lynchburg ($63,972 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $68,857
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $66,722
Lynchburg
Nominal: $66,019
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $63,972

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 Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+-6.5%

$72,562 (2024) → $67,846 (2025)

Lynchburg, VA

+-6.5%

$69,572 (2024) → $65,050 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Chesapeake or Lynchburg?

Chesapeake has a higher median flight attendant salary at $68,857/year, compared to Lynchburg at $66,019/year — a difference of $2,838 (4.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Lynchburg?

Chesapeake flight attendants earn $33.11/hr while Lynchburg hygienists earn $31.74/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Lynchburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $66,722, Lynchburg = $63,972), job availability (63 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $39,937 in Chesapeake and $38,291 in Lynchburg. 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