Flight Attendant Salary in University Place, WA: $67,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in University Place, WA earns a median $67,963/year (≈ $32.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,280 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flight attendants in University Place, WA, can expect a median annual salary of $67,963 in 2026, which represents a notable 5.32% increase over the national median of $64,527. Local salary estimates show a range from $39,419 at the 10th percentile to $105,343 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse pay scales associated with different types of employment, including major airlines, regional carriers, low-cost airlines, and corporate aviation. This local salary landscape is shaped not only by employer type but also by the interplay of seniority and experience levels within the workforce. As local travel demand fluctuates, the role of flight attendants remains essential to the airline industry, influencing the competitive nature of compensation packages in University Place.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,419 | $18.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,690 | $26.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,963 | $32.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,992 | $41.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,343 | $50.64 |
Median Salary Position
5.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,924 (2026 est.). At $67,963, the local median is 5.32% above the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Flight Attendant Pay Compares
University Place median: $67,963/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $69,279 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | +5.32% more |
Flight Attendants in University Place, WA earn a median of $67,963 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $69,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,963 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,280 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,656
2025 BLS Actual
$66,965
2026 Current Est.
$67,963
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,656 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,194 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,993 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,965 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $59,656 (2019) to $66,965 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,319 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $39,419 – $54,690 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,690 – $67,963 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,963 – $86,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,992 – $105,343 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in University Place
Currently, University Place employs six flight attendants, illustrating a niche market that may limit job availability but also ensures competitive pay as airlines seek to attract qualified personnel. The cost of living index in the area stands at 107.4, which is above the national average, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted. Major US carriers typically offer higher wages, especially as seniority plays a significant role in pay structures, with experienced flight attendants often earning substantially more. To maximize earnings in this market, candidates should consider the potential benefits of working for major airlines that offer international routes, as these positions often include premium pay compared to domestic roles. Additionally, pursuing opportunities within corporate aviation or cargo operations can provide unique pathways to higher compensation, especially when factor in per-diem shifts and additional stipends.
More salary data for University Place, 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 $66,965 for flight attendantsin the University Place 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 University Place 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