New Bedford vs Worcester: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between New Bedford, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,534 | $71,567▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.91 | $34.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,926 | $41,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,407▲ | $57,987 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,282 | $91,605▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,327 | $110,929▲ |
| Total Employed | 24 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Worcester is $1,033 (1.46%). Worcester's median is +10.91% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $68,401,Worcester spans $69,421. Worcester 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, Worcester ($65,960 effective) pays 1.46% more than New Bedford ($65,008 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,567/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,929)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,960)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in New Bedford grew -15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.2% growth in Worcester over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$81,982 (2024) → $69,498 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$83,183 (2024) → $70,516 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: New Bedford or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Worcester?
Should I relocate from New Bedford to Worcester as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in New Bedford vs Worcester?
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