Flight Attendant Salary in Burien, WA: $68,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Burien, WA earns a median $68,980/year (≈ $33.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flight attendants in Burien, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $68,980 in 2026, reflecting the competitive dynamics inherent in the airline industry. With an estimated salary range spanning from $40,008 at the lower end (P10) to $106,919 at the higher end (P90), the potential for income varies significantly depending on multiple factors. These local estimates consider BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, indicating that the aviation sector in this part of WA offers a slightly higher compensation than the national median of $64,527. The structural choices between major airlines and regional versus low-cost carriers (LCCs) significantly impact expected earnings, with steep pay discrepancies often seen as flight attendants transition from one sector to another.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,008 | $19.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,834 | $27.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,980 | $33.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,294 | $42.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,919 | $51.40 |
Median Salary Position
6.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,911 (2026 est.). At $68,980, the local median is 6.9% above the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Burien median: $68,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $69,326 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | +6.90% more |
Flight Attendants in Burien, WA earn a median of $68,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $69,326.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,980 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,227 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,548
2025 BLS Actual
$67,967
2026 Current Est.
$68,980
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,548 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,124 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,893 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,088 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,175 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,008 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $60,548 (2019) to $67,967 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,008 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,460 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $40,008 – $56,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,834 – $68,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,980 – $88,294 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,294 – $106,919 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Burien
In Burien, the employment picture reflects a niche market, employing only 8 flight attendants, which creates a unique local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the purchasing power for flight attendants may seem challenged compared to larger cities. Major U.S. carriers typically provide higher compensation than regional counterparts, and those employed by airlines like Delta or United may realize better pay, often enhanced by seniority and per-diem structures. Factors such as international flight opportunities potentially elevate earnings significantly, driving pay for those specializing in long-haul routes. To optimize their income, flight attendants in Burien should focus on longevity at a carrier and consider additional roles such as instructor positions, which command higher compensation rates. With a dedication to maximizing their skill set and seeking opportunities for advancement within their airline, flight attendants can navigate the earnings landscape effectively in this regional context.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 $67,967 for flight attendantsin the Burien 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 Burien 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