Portland vs Medford: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Portland, OR and Medford, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Medford, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,396 | $64,669▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.00 | $31.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,516 | $37,509▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,030 | $53,246▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,045 | $82,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,232 | $100,238▲ |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Medford, OR offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and Medford is $2,273 (3.64%). Medford's median is +0.22% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $61,716,Medford spans $62,729. Medford 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, Medford ($63,030 effective) pays 6.49% more than Portland ($59,187 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Medford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,669/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,238)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,030)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Portland grew -3.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Medford over the same period.
Portland, OR
$63,670 (2021) → $61,480 (2025)
Medford, OR
$65,144 (2024) → $63,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Medford, OR
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