Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Ankeny, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,713 | $58,028▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.27 | $27.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,893 | $33,656▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,351▲ | $45,901 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,592 | $74,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,905 | $89,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 22▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids is $1,315 (2.32%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.07% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $55,012,Cedar Rapids spans $56,287. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($64,190 effective) pays 2.32% more than Ankeny ($62,736 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,943)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,190)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Ankeny grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$50,955 (2024) → $55,880 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,137 (2024) → $57,176 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Ankeny or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Cedar Rapids as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids?
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