Tampa vs Jacksonville: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,747 | $70,897▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.69 | $34.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,953 | $41,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,980 | $54,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,058▲ | $90,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,825▲ | $109,890 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 141 |
Verdict
Tampa and Jacksonville are closely matched on overall flight attendant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tampa and Jacksonville is $9,150 (14.82%). Jacksonville's median is +9.87% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $96,872,Jacksonville spans $68,770. Tampa 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, Jacksonville ($70,334 effective) pays 14.92% more than Tampa ($61,202 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,825)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,897/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,334)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Tampa grew -22.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$78,740 (2021) → $60,840 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$60,250 (2021) → $69,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Tampa or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Jacksonville as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Tampa vs Jacksonville?
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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