Caledonia vs Madison: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Caledonia, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Caledonia, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,992 | $63,095▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.84 | $30.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,795 | $36,595▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,054▲ | $50,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,789 | $80,762▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,987 | $97,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 64▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caledonia.
The salary gap between Caledonia and Madison is $3,103 (5.17%). Madison's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caledonia spans $58,192,Madison spans $61,203. Madison 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, Madison ($67,554 effective) pays 5.17% more than Caledonia ($64,231 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Caledonia if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,095/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,798)
- ✓Larger job market (64 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,554)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Caledonia grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Madison over the same period.
Caledonia, WI
$52,494 (2024) → $59,111 (2025)
Madison, WI
$55,210 (2024) → $62,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caledonia, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Caledonia or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Caledonia and Madison?
Should I relocate from Caledonia to Madison as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Caledonia vs Madison?
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