Garden City vs Topeka: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Garden City, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,835 | $58,919▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.81 | $28.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,544 | $34,173▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,297 | $48,941▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,029 | $75,416▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,644 | $91,325▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Topeka is $1,084 (1.87%). Topeka's median is -8.69% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $56,100,Topeka spans $57,152. Topeka 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, Topeka ($64,817 effective) pays 1.87% more than Garden City ($63,625 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,325)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,817)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Garden City grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$49,548 (2024) → $56,986 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$50,477 (2024) → $58,054 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Garden City or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Topeka?
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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