Paterson vs Summit: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Paterson, NJ and Summit, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Paterson, NJ | Summit, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,283▲ | $69,274 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.71▲ | $33.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,084▲ | $42,899 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,799▲ | $59,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,082▲ | $88,671 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,138▲ | $107,374 |
| Total Employed | 31▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Summit.
The salary gap between Paterson and Summit is $5,009 (7.23%). 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,Summit spans $64,475. Paterson 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, Paterson ($64,482 effective) pays 7.23% more than Summit ($60,134 effective).
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 Summit 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 Summit over the same period.
Paterson, NJ
$89,793 (2024) → $73,192 (2025)
Summit, NJ
$83,738 (2024) → $68,257 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Paterson, NJ
Summit, NJ
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