Hilton Head Island vs North Charleston: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Hilton Head Island, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilton Head Island, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,983 | $62,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.83 | $29.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,790 | $36,128▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,222 | $51,995▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,778 | $79,732▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,973 | $96,550▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 22▲ |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Hilton Head Island and North Charleston is $2,308 (3.85%). North Charleston's median is -3.47% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilton Head Island spans $58,183,North Charleston spans $60,422. North Charleston 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, North Charleston ($68,078 effective) pays 3.85% more than Hilton Head Island ($65,555 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,291/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,550)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,078)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Hilton Head Island grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Hilton Head Island, SC
$49,989 (2024) → $59,102 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$51,912 (2024) → $61,376 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hilton Head Island, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Hilton Head Island or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilton Head Island and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Hilton Head Island to North Charleston as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Hilton Head Island vs North Charleston?
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