San Diego vs Irvine: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,327▲ | $75,811 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.18▲ | $36.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,849▲ | $43,971 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,627▲ | $61,150 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,979▲ | $97,038 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,858▲ | $117,507 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 72 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Irvine.
The salary gap between San Diego and Irvine is $1,516 (2.00%). San Diego's median is +19.84% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $75,009,Irvine spans $73,536. San Diego 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, San Diego ($68,370 effective) pays 2.00% more than Irvine ($67,030 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,858)
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,370)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in San Diego grew 23.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -25.2% growth in Irvine over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$61,650 (2020) → $76,192 (2025)
Irvine, CA
$99,864 (2024) → $74,698 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Irvine, CA
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