Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,028 | $58,122▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.90 | $27.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,656 | $33,711▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,901▲ | $45,718 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,275 | $74,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,943 | $90,090▲ |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is $94 (0.16%). Iowa City's median is -9.93% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $56,287,Iowa City spans $56,379. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($64,294 effective) pays 0.16% more than Cedar Rapids ($64,190 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,122/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,090)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,294)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,137 (2024) → $57,176 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$52,221 (2024) → $57,269 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City?
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