Flight Attendant Salary

Norfolk vs Suffolk: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Norfolk, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Norfolk, VA
$69,614
$33.47/hr
Suffolk, VA
$65,476
$31.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorfolk, VASuffolk, VA
Median Salary$69,614$65,476
Hourly Rate$33.47$31.48
Entry Level (P10)$40,376$38,298
25th Percentile$54,162$54,420
75th Percentile$89,106$83,809
Top Earner (P90)$107,902$101,488
Total Employed5415
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Norfolk ($69,614) and Suffolk ($65,476) flight attendant salaries.NorfolkSuffolkMedian Salary$69,614$65,476Entry Level (P10)$40,376$38,298Top Earner (P90)$107,902$101,488US Median $64,527

Verdict

Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.

The salary gap between Norfolk and Suffolk is $4,138 (6.32%). Norfolk's median is +7.88% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $67,526,Suffolk spans $63,190. Norfolk has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Norfolk
P10 (Entry)$40,376
P25$54,162
Median$69,614
P75$89,106
P90 (Top)$107,902
Suffolk
P10 (Entry)$38,298
P25$54,420
Median$65,476
P75$83,809
P90 (Top)$101,488

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Norfolk ($67,455 effective) pays 6.32% more than Suffolk ($63,446 effective).

Norfolk
Nominal: $69,614
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $67,455
Suffolk
Nominal: $65,476
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $63,446

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Norfolk if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,614/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,902)
  • Larger job market (54 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,455)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Suffolk if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Norfolk grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Suffolk over the same period.

Norfolk, VA

+-6.5%

$73,360 (2024) → $68,592 (2025)

Suffolk, VA

+-6.5%

$68,999 (2024) → $64,515 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Norfolk or Suffolk?

Norfolk has a higher median flight attendant salary at $69,614/year, compared to Suffolk at $65,476/year — a difference of $4,138 (6.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Suffolk?

Norfolk flight attendants earn $33.47/hr while Suffolk hygienists earn $31.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Norfolk to Suffolk as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Norfolk and Suffolk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Norfolk = $67,455, Suffolk = $63,446), job availability (54 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Norfolk vs Suffolk?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $40,376 in Norfolk and $38,298 in Suffolk. The Norfolk area offers higher starting salaries.
EJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Raj Patel, AFA-CWAData verified by Maria Gomez, AFA-CWA

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