Jackson vs Laurel: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Jackson, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,280▲ | $50,686 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.58▲ | $24.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,062▲ | $30,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,854▲ | $42,868 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,758▲ | $64,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,683▲ | $78,563 |
| Total Employed | 32▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Jackson and Laurel is $4,594 (9.06%). Jackson's median is -14.33% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $53,621,Laurel spans $47,824. Jackson 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, Jackson ($64,504 effective) pays 9.06% more than Laurel ($59,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,280/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,683)
- ✓Larger job market (32 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,504)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Jackson grew 31.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$41,493 (2024) → $54,468 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$38,045 (2024) → $49,942 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Laurel, MS
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