Portland vs South Portland: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,279▲ | $62,735 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.38▲ | $30.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,862▲ | $37,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,062▲ | $51,743 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,558▲ | $80,301 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,184▲ | $97,240 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $2,544 (4.06%). Portland's median is +1.17% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $63,322,South Portland spans $59,410. Portland 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, Portland ($65,541 effective) pays 4.06% more than South Portland ($62,987 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,184)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,541)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Portland grew 10.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$58,057 (2024) → $64,321 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$55,795 (2024) → $61,814 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
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