Dover vs Wilmington: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Dover, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,368▲ | $40,794 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.94▲ | $19.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,333▲ | $23,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,122▲ | $32,628 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,391▲ | $52,217 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,771▲ | $63,230 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Dover and Wilmington is $23,574 (57.79%). Dover's median is -0.25% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $62,438,Wilmington spans $39,570. Dover 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, Dover ($63,292 effective) pays 57.79% more than Wilmington ($40,112 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,368/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,771)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,292)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Dover grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -36.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Dover, DE
$62,486 (2024) → $63,423 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$63,490 (2024) → $40,195 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
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