Auburn Hills vs Grand Rapids: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Auburn Hills, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn Hills, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,721 | $61,235▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.23 | $29.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,058 | $35,516▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,938 | $47,843▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,163 | $78,381▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,017 | $94,914▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 48▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn Hills.
The salary gap between Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids is $2,514 (4.28%). Grand Rapids's median is -5.10% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn Hills spans $56,959,Grand Rapids spans $59,398. Grand 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, Grand Rapids ($65,703 effective) pays 4.28% more than Auburn Hills ($63,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn Hills if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,235/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,914)
- ✓Larger job market (48 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,703)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Auburn Hills grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Auburn Hills, MI
$54,600 (2024) → $57,859 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$56,938 (2024) → $60,336 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn Hills, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Auburn Hills or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Auburn Hills to Grand Rapids as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Auburn Hills vs Grand 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