Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,725▲ | $62,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.64▲ | $30.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,961▲ | $36,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,828▲ | $48,062 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,568▲ | $80,121 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,773▲ | $97,022 |
| Total Employed | 104▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston-Salem.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $1,130 (1.81%). 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,Winston-Salem spans $60,717. 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 1.81% more than Winston-Salem ($66,875 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$57,880 (2019) → $62,789 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$56,263 (2024) → $61,676 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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