Des Moines vs Marshalltown: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,023▲ | $55,580 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.85▲ | $26.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,813▲ | $32,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,067▲ | $44,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,830▲ | $71,142 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,036▲ | $86,149 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marshalltown is $4,443 (7.99%). Des Moines's median is -6.98% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $58,223,Marshalltown spans $53,668. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($66,397 effective) pays 7.99% more than Marshalltown ($61,482 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,023/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,036)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,397)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Des Moines grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$53,929 (2024) → $59,142 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$49,937 (2024) → $54,764 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, 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