Pendleton vs Salem: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Pendleton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,600 | $67,218▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.58 | $32.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,211 | $38,986▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,852▲ | $52,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,407 | $86,039▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,579 | $104,188▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Salem is $3,618 (5.69%). Salem's median is +4.17% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $61,368,Salem spans $65,202. Salem 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, Salem ($65,515 effective) pays 5.69% more than Pendleton ($61,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,218/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,188)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,515)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Pendleton grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$64,065 (2024) → $62,666 (2025)
Salem, OR
$67,710 (2024) → $66,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Pendleton or Salem?
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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