Cottage Grove vs St. Paul: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,730▲ | $61,518 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.16▲ | $29.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,383▲ | $35,681 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,974▲ | $49,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,295▲ | $78,743 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,231▲ | $95,353 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Cottage Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Paul is $1,212 (1.97%). Cottage Grove's median is -2.78% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $60,848,St. Paul spans $59,672. Cottage Grove 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, Cottage Grove ($63,685 effective) pays 1.97% more than St. Paul ($62,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,730/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,231)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,685)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Cottage Grove grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$63,190 (2024) → $61,809 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$66,551 (2024) → $60,615 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Paul, MN
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