Charleston vs Sumter: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Charleston, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,315▲ | $57,509 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.96▲ | $27.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,143▲ | $33,601 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,695▲ | $47,736 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,763▲ | $73,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,588▲ | $89,140 |
| Total Employed | 25▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Charleston and Sumter is $4,806 (8.36%). Charleston's median is -3.43% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $60,445,Sumter spans $55,539. Charleston 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, Charleston ($68,104 effective) pays 8.36% more than Sumter ($62,851 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,315/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,588)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,104)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Charleston grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$51,932 (2024) → $61,400 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$47,927 (2024) → $56,665 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Sumter, SC
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
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