Boulder vs Denver: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Boulder, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,127▲ | $60,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.75▲ | $29.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,514▲ | $31,979 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,259▲ | $54,378 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,203▲ | $79,487 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,597▲ | $97,065 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 6,930▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Boulder and Denver is $7,740 (12.82%). Boulder's median is +5.58% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $66,083,Denver spans $65,086. Boulder 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, Boulder ($64,883 effective) pays 13.66% more than Denver ($57,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,127/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,597)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,883)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Boulder grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$71,794 (2024) → $67,127 (2025)
Denver, CO
$50,280 (2019) → $59,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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