Federal Way vs Seattle: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,676 | $76,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.01 | $36.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,832 | $48,766▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,537 | $64,152▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,906 | $100,668▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,448 | $137,336▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | N/A |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Seattle is $7,543 (10.98%). Seattle's median is +18.12% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $66,616,Seattle spans $88,570. Seattle 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, Seattle ($68,584 effective) pays 7.26% more than Federal Way ($63,944 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,336)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,584)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Federal Way grew -15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$79,823 (2024) → $67,668 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$69,570 (2019) → $75,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Federal Way or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Seattle as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Federal Way vs Seattle?
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