Durham vs Raleigh: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,237 | $63,725▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.92 | $30.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,097 | $36,961▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,011▲ | $48,828 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,663 | $81,568▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,467 | $98,773▲ |
| Total Employed | 67 | 104▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $1,488 (2.39%). Raleigh's median is -1.24% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $60,370,Raleigh spans $61,812. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($68,082 effective) pays 2.39% more than Durham ($66,493 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,725/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,773)
- ✓Larger job market (104 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,082)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Durham grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$55,941 (2024) → $61,323 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$57,880 (2019) → $62,789 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Durham or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Durham to Raleigh as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Durham vs Raleigh?
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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