Flight Attendant Salary in Summit, NJ: $69,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Summit, NJ earns a median $69,274/year (≈ $33.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Summit's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $60,134 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, New Jersey, the flight attendant salary is notably competitive, with a median annual income projected at $69,274 in 2026. This figure not only exceeds the national median of $64,527 by approximately 7.36% but also comes within a diverse salary range that stretches from $42,899 at the lower end to $107,374 for the most experienced professionals. Local estimates rely on data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting conditions unique to this specific area. Those specializing in international long-haul flights may benefit from significant premium pay, along with potential stipends for language proficiency, making this a lucrative spot for flight attendants seeking financial advancement.
About the Summit Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,899 | $20.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,234 | $28.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,274 | $33.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,671 | $42.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,374 | $51.62 |
Median Salary Position
7.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Summit
In Summit, NJ, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,475 (2026 est.). At $69,274, the local median is 7.36% above the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Summit: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Summit Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Summit median: $69,274/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Summit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,328 | -6.80% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | +7.36% more |
Flight Attendants in Summit, NJ earn a median of $69,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,328.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Summit has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Summit, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,274 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,134 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,806
2025 BLS Actual
$68,257
2026 Current Est.
$69,274
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,394 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,174 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,399 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,257 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Summit metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $60,806 (2019) to $68,257 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,500 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Summit 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) | $42,899 – $59,234 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,234 – $69,274 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,274 – $88,671 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,671 – $107,374 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Summit
The job market for flight attendants in Summit is relatively small but stable, with only five individuals currently employed in this capacity. The cost of living index in Summit is 115.2, which suggests that residents face higher living expenses compared to the national average. This reality can impact take-home purchasing power, particularly for those at the lower end of the salary spectrum. Major U.S. airlines, such as Delta and United, typically offer the highest pay rates, especially for flight attendants focusing on international routes where pay can be 15-30% above domestic averages. Other factors influencing earnings include seniority, which is a determining force in pay structures across different airlines, and the potential for per-diem compensation during travels. For flight attendants in Summit, maximizing pay may involve targeting senior positions in major carriers or seeking roles that involve international travel, both of which can offer the best financial returns.
More salary data for Summit, NJ:
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 $68,257 for flight attendantsin the Summit 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 Summit 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