Hospitality & Tourism Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Flight Attendant Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median flight attendant salary in Des Moines, IA is $58,659 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$58,659
vs State Avg
+$1,913
vs National
$-5,101
Cost of Living
92%

Flight Attendant Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median flight attendant salary of $58,659, which is $1,913 above the Iowa state average of $56,746. Compared to the national median of $63,760, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for flight attendants in Des Moines spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $96,600 at the 90th percentile — a $61,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior flight attendants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,160. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Flight Attendant Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level flight attendant earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,160
$-7,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $58,659
75th Percentile $78,200
90th Percentile $96,600

Flight Attendant Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$60,572
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$56,109
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$54,834
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$53,558
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Flight Attendant in Des Moines

Education

Most flight attendant positions require a high school diploma. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Safety ProceduresCustomer ServiceFirst Aid/CPRConflict ResolutionCultural AwarenessCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, flight attendant employment is projected to grow 11% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Flight Attendant Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open flight attendant positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Flight Attendant Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Flight Attendant make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median flight attendant salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $58,659 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,760. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $96,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Flight Attendant make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,659, a flight attendant in Des Moines earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for flight attendant pay? ▼
Des Moines's median flight attendant salary of $58,659 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $56,746. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a flight attendant salary of $58,659 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a flight attendant in Des Moines? ▼
Most flight attendant positions in Des Moines require a high school diploma. Key skills include Safety Procedures, Customer Service, First Aid/CPR, Conflict Resolution. The job market is projected to grow 11% nationally over the next decade.