Columbia vs Memphis: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Columbia, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,871 | $62,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.34 | $30.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,985 | $36,495▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,326 | $51,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,795 | $80,539▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,150 | $97,529▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 122▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Memphis is $6,051 (10.64%). Memphis's median is -2.49% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $55,165,Memphis spans $61,034. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($68,542 effective) pays 10.64% more than Columbia ($61,951 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,529)
- ✓Larger job market (122 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,542)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Columbia grew 8.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$51,888 (2024) → $56,036 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$57,409 (2024) → $61,998 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Columbia or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Memphis as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Columbia vs Memphis?
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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