Chesapeake vs Roanoke: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,857▲ | $66,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.11▲ | $31.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,937▲ | $38,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,715▲ | $53,429 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,137▲ | $84,510 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,728▲ | $102,336 |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Roanoke is $2,834 (4.29%). 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,Roanoke spans $64,043. Chesapeake 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, Chesapeake ($66,722 effective) pays 4.29% more than Roanoke ($63,976 effective).
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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$72,562 (2024) → $67,846 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$69,576 (2024) → $65,054 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Roanoke, VA
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