Flight Attendant Salary

Paterson vs Perth Amboy: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Paterson, NJ and Perth Amboy, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Paterson, NJ
$74,283
$35.71/hr
Perth Amboy, NJ
$72,812
$35.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPaterson, NJPerth Amboy, NJ
Median Salary$74,283$72,812
Hourly Rate$35.71$35.00
Entry Level (P10)$43,084$42,231
25th Percentile$60,799$60,188
75th Percentile$95,082$93,199
Top Earner (P90)$115,138$112,859
Total Employed3113
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Paterson ($74,283) and Perth Amboy ($72,812) flight attendant salaries.PatersonPerth AmboyMedian Salary$74,283$72,812Entry Level (P10)$43,084$42,231Top Earner (P90)$115,138$112,859US Median $64,527

Verdict

Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Perth Amboy.

The salary gap between Paterson and Perth Amboy is $1,471 (2.02%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Paterson spans $72,054,Perth Amboy spans $70,628. Paterson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Paterson
P10 (Entry)$43,084
P25$60,799
Median$74,283
P75$95,082
P90 (Top)$115,138
Perth Amboy
P10 (Entry)$42,231
P25$60,188
Median$72,812
P75$93,199
P90 (Top)$112,859

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Paterson ($64,482 effective) pays 2.02% more than Perth Amboy ($63,205 effective).

Paterson
Nominal: $74,283
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $64,482
Perth Amboy
Nominal: $72,812
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $63,205

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Paterson if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,283/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,138)
  • Larger job market (31 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,482)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Perth Amboy if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Paterson grew -18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.5% growth in Perth Amboy over the same period.

Paterson, NJ

+-18.5%

$89,793 (2024) → $73,192 (2025)

Perth Amboy, NJ

+-18.5%

$88,014 (2024) → $71,743 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Paterson or Perth Amboy?

Paterson has a higher median flight attendant salary at $74,283/year, compared to Perth Amboy at $72,812/year — a difference of $1,471 (2.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Paterson and Perth Amboy?

Paterson flight attendants earn $35.71/hr while Perth Amboy hygienists earn $35.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Paterson to Perth Amboy as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Paterson and Perth Amboy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Paterson = $64,482, Perth Amboy = $63,205), job availability (31 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Paterson vs Perth Amboy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $43,084 in Paterson and $42,231 in Perth Amboy. The Paterson 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