Austin vs El Paso: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Austin, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,129▲ | $65,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.80▲ | $31.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,355▲ | $38,125 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,272▲ | $52,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,645▲ | $84,138 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,500▲ | $101,886 |
| Total Employed | 192▲ | 163 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between Austin and El Paso is $396 (0.60%). Austin's median is +2.48% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $64,145,El Paso spans $63,761. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($68,884 effective) pays 0.60% more than El Paso ($68,472 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,129/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,500)
- ✓Larger job market (192 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,884)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Austin grew -10.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in El Paso over the same period.
Austin, TX
$72,840 (2020) → $65,158 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$69,270 (2024) → $64,768 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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