Denver vs Durango: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Denver, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Durango, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,387 | $63,487▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.04 | $30.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,979 | $39,903▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,378 | $54,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,487 | $81,263▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,065 | $98,405▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,930▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Durango, CO offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Durango is $3,100 (5.13%). Durango's median is -1.61% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $65,086,Durango spans $58,502. Denver 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, Durango ($60,464 effective) pays 5.92% more than Denver ($57,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Durango if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,405)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,464)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Denver grew 18.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Durango over the same period.
Denver, CO
$50,280 (2019) → $59,500 (2025)
Durango, CO
$66,904 (2024) → $62,555 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Durango, CO
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