Cedar Rapids vs Muscatine: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,028▲ | $54,502 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.90▲ | $26.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,656 | $33,893▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,901 | $46,749▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,275▲ | $69,763 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,943▲ | $84,478 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Muscatine is $3,526 (6.47%). 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 Rapids spans $56,287,Muscatine spans $50,585. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($64,190 effective) pays 6.47% more than Muscatine ($60,290 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓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 Muscatine over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,137 (2024) → $57,176 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$48,969 (2024) → $53,702 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Muscatine, IA
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