Columbia vs Simpsonville: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Columbia, SC and Simpsonville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Simpsonville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,964▲ | $58,151 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.79▲ | $27.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,939▲ | $34,268 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,990▲ | $48,502 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,313▲ | $74,433 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,044▲ | $90,133 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Simpsonville.
The salary gap between Columbia and Simpsonville is $3,813 (6.56%). Columbia's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $60,105,Simpsonville spans $55,865. Columbia 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, Columbia ($67,720 effective) pays 6.56% more than Simpsonville ($63,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,964/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,044)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,720)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Simpsonville if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Columbia grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Simpsonville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$51,639 (2024) → $61,054 (2025)
Simpsonville, SC
$48,462 (2024) → $57,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Simpsonville, SC
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