Boston vs New Bedford: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Boston, MA and New Bedford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,426 | $70,534▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.01 | $33.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,203 | $40,926▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,407▲ | $58,407 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,958▲ | $90,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,871 | $109,327▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,310▲ | 24 |
Verdict
New Bedford, MA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boston.
The salary gap between Boston and New Bedford is $8,108 (12.99%). New Bedford's median is +9.31% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $68,668,New Bedford spans $68,401. Boston 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, New Bedford ($65,008 effective) pays 12.74% more than Boston ($57,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,534/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,327)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,008)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Boston grew 4.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.2% growth in New Bedford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$58,640 (2019) → $61,510 (2025)
New Bedford, MA
$81,982 (2024) → $69,498 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
New Bedford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Boston or New Bedford?
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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