Aberdeen vs Sioux Falls: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Aberdeen, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aberdeen, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,976 | $58,496▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.43 | $28.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,933 | $33,927▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,493 | $47,427▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,369 | $74,874▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,213 | $90,668▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 36▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aberdeen.
The salary gap between Aberdeen and Sioux Falls is $3,520 (6.40%). Sioux Falls's median is -9.35% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aberdeen spans $53,280,Sioux Falls spans $56,741. Sioux Falls 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, Sioux Falls ($63,034 effective) pays 6.40% more than Aberdeen ($59,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aberdeen if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,496/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,668)
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,034)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Aberdeen grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Aberdeen, SD
$45,859 (2024) → $54,169 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$48,795 (2024) → $57,637 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aberdeen, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Aberdeen or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aberdeen and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Aberdeen to Sioux Falls as a flight attendant?
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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