Gainesville vs Tampa: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Gainesville, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,517▲ | $61,747 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.98▲ | $29.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,579▲ | $36,953 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,318▲ | $46,980 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,141 | $104,058▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,101 | $133,825▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Gainesville and Tampa are closely matched on overall flight attendant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Tampa is $4,770 (7.73%). Gainesville's median is +3.08% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $64,522,Tampa spans $96,872. Tampa 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, Gainesville ($65,989 effective) pays 7.82% more than Tampa ($61,202 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,517/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,989)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,825)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Gainesville grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -22.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Gainesville, FL
$61,850 (2024) → $65,540 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$78,740 (2021) → $60,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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