Grand Island vs Kearney: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Grand Island, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,458▲ | $56,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.63▲ | $27.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,325 | $33,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,000 | $47,808▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,546▲ | $72,557 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,060▲ | $87,862 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Kearney is $773 (1.36%). Grand Island's median is -10.96% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $55,735,Kearney spans $53,957. Grand Island 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, Grand Island ($62,796 effective) pays 1.36% more than Kearney ($61,951 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,060)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,796)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Grand Island grew 15.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$49,122 (2024) → $56,614 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$48,462 (2024) → $55,853 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Grand Island or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Kearney as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Grand Island vs Kearney?
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