Flight Attendant Salary in Wilmington, DE: $40,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Wilmington, DE earns a median $40,794/year (≈ $19.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $40,112 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, flight attendants can expect a median annual salary of $40,794 in 2026. This figure reflects the realities of the seniority-based pay scale prevalent within the industry, where years of service play a significant role in determining compensation. Salary ranges for flight attendants in this market stretch from $23,660 at the 10th percentile to $63,230 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for growth depending on individual experience and the specific airline. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and consider local cost-of-living adjustments, with Wilmington's cost index slightly above the national average, suggesting that while wages may be lower than the national median of $64,527, they still offer an appealing path for career advancement.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,660 | $11.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,628 | $15.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,794 | $19.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,217 | $25.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,230 | $30.40 |
Median Salary Position
36.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,570 (2026 est.). At $40,794, the local median is 36.78% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilmington Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $40,794/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $40,112 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $64,527 | -36.78% less |
Flight Attendants in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $40,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.78% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 1.70% above the Delaware state average of $40,112.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,794 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $40,112 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,808
2025 BLS Actual
$40,195
2026 Current Est.
$40,794
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,808 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,969 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,402 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $35,808 (2019) to $40,195 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,402 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,594 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $23,660 – $32,628 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,628 – $40,794 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,794 – $52,217 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,217 – $63,230 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Wilmington
The job market for flight attendants in Wilmington reveals a small but concentrated presence, with just ten individuals employed in this role. The cost of living in the area, represented by a CoL index of 101.7, indicates that although resident flight attendants may earn less than their counterparts in more competitive markets, their purchasing power remains valid due to regional pricing dynamics. Among major airlines, flight attendants working for larger carriers such as Delta or American Airlines may find relatively higher salaries compared to regional airlines or low-cost carriers. However, pay disparities between lower- and higher-end salaries often arise from factors like seniority, potential international assignments, and additional pay for per-diem allowances during travel. For those seeking to increase their earnings in Wilmington, focusing on seniority progression and considering opportunities with carriers that provide international routes can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,195 for flight attendantsin the Wilmington metropolitan area. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilmington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov