Derby vs Wichita: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Derby, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derby, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,546 | $62,233▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.67 | $29.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,377 | $36,095▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,700 | $48,472▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,658 | $79,657▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,197 | $96,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 85▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derby.
The salary gap between Derby and Wichita is $4,687 (8.14%). Wichita's median is -3.56% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derby spans $55,820,Wichita spans $60,365. Wichita 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, Wichita ($68,463 effective) pays 8.14% more than Derby ($63,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derby if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,233/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,460)
- ✓Larger job market (85 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,463)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Derby grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Derby, KS
$49,300 (2024) → $56,701 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$53,316 (2024) → $61,319 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Derby or Wichita?
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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