Hospitality & Tourism Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Flight Attendant Salary in Iowa

The median flight attendant salary in Iowa is $56,746 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $63,760.

Median Salary
$56,746
vs National
$-7,014
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Flight Attendant Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for flight attendant compensation. Flight Attendant salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,746 per year, flight attendants in Iowa earn $7,014 less than the national median of $63,760.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $56,746 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,760 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: flight attendants at the 10th percentile earn $33,820, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $93,450 — a $59,630 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $60,572.

Nationally, flight attendant employment is projected to grow 11% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Iowa and beyond.

Flight Attendant Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level flight attendant earns around $35,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,220 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,220
$-10,780 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $33,820
25th Percentile $42,720
Median (50th) $56,746
75th Percentile $75,650
90th Percentile $93,450

Flight Attendant Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for flight attendants in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Flight Attendant in Iowa

Education

Most flight attendant positions require a high school diploma. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Safety ProceduresCustomer ServiceFirst Aid/CPRConflict ResolutionCultural AwarenessCommunication

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, flight attendant employment is projected to grow 11% over the next decade (much faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Flight Attendant Salary in Iowa

How much does a Flight Attendant make in Iowa? ▼
The median flight attendant salary in Iowa is $56,746 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $63,760. Salaries range from $33,820 (10th percentile) to $93,450 (90th percentile).
How much does a Flight Attendant make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,746, a flight attendant in Iowa earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for flight attendants? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for flight attendant pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level flight attendants earn $35,600, while senior professionals earn $87,220.
How does Iowa compare to other states for flight attendant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for flight attendants is Hawaii at $108,392. Iowa's median of $56,746 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($57,384) and Ohio ($57,384).
What is the entry-level flight attendant salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level flight attendant in Iowa earns approximately $35,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,220.
What city in Iowa pays flight attendants the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for flight attendants, with a median salary of $60,572. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.