Cedar Falls vs Cedar Rapids: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,813 | $58,028▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.80 | $27.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,531 | $33,656▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,487▲ | $45,901 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,000 | $74,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,610 | $89,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 22▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Falls.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids is $215 (0.37%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.07% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $56,079,Cedar Rapids spans $56,287. Cedar 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, Cedar Rapids ($64,190 effective) pays 0.37% more than Cedar Falls ($63,952 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,943)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,190)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Cedar Falls grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$51,943 (2024) → $56,964 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,137 (2024) → $57,176 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Cedar Falls or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Cedar Rapids as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Cedar Falls vs Cedar 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