Federal Way vs Tacoma: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Federal Way, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,676 | $74,947▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.01 | $36.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,832 | $43,469▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,537 | $59,926▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,906 | $95,932▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,448 | $116,168▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Tacoma is $6,271 (9.13%). Tacoma's median is +16.15% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $66,616,Tacoma spans $72,699. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($69,783 effective) pays 9.13% more than Federal Way ($63,944 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,168)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,783)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Federal Way grew -15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$79,823 (2024) → $67,668 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$81,583 (2024) → $73,847 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Federal Way or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Tacoma as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Federal Way vs Tacoma?
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