Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,725▲ | $59,547 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.64▲ | $28.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,961▲ | $35,089 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,828▲ | $48,382 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,568▲ | $76,220 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,773▲ | $92,298 |
| Total Employed | 104▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $4,178 (7.02%). Raleigh's median is -1.24% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $61,812,Wake Forest spans $57,209. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($68,082 effective) pays 7.02% more than Wake Forest ($63,619 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,725/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,773)
- ✓Larger job market (104 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,082)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Raleigh grew 8.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$57,880 (2019) → $62,789 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$53,524 (2024) → $58,673 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
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