Butte vs Missoula: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,617 | $64,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.59 | $30.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,898 | $37,129▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,947▲ | $52,794 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,429 | $81,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,607 | $99,225▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $399 (0.63%). Missoula's median is -0.79% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $61,709,Missoula spans $62,096. Missoula 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, Missoula ($66,545 effective) pays 0.63% more than Butte ($66,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,225)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,545)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Butte grew 21.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$51,419 (2024) → $62,683 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$51,742 (2024) → $63,076 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
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