Orlando vs St. Petersburg: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Orlando, FL and St. Petersburg, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | St. Petersburg, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,285 | $61,413▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.99 | $29.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,983▲ | $35,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,321 | $49,916▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,875▲ | $78,608 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,875 | $95,190▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,410▲ | 42 |
Verdict
St. Petersburg, FL offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and St. Petersburg is $1,128 (1.87%). St. Petersburg's median is -4.83% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $49,892,St. Petersburg spans $59,571. St. Petersburg 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, St. Petersburg ($60,926 effective) pays 2.50% more than Orlando ($59,442 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose St. Petersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,413/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,190)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,926)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Orlando grew -4.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in St. Petersburg over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$62,470 (2019) → $59,400 (2025)
St. Petersburg, FL
$61,958 (2024) → $60,511 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Orlando or St. Petersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and St. Petersburg?
Should I relocate from Orlando to St. Petersburg as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Orlando vs St. Petersburg?
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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