Hastings vs Lincoln: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Hastings, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hastings, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,429 | $61,253▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.61 | $29.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,309 | $35,527▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,849 | $47,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,509 | $78,404▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,015 | $94,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 58▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Hastings and Lincoln is $3,824 (6.66%). Lincoln's median is -5.07% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $55,706,Lincoln spans $59,416. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($66,943 effective) pays 6.66% more than Hastings ($62,764 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,253/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,943)
- ✓Larger job market (58 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,943)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Hastings grew 15.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Hastings, NE
$49,098 (2024) → $56,586 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$52,368 (2024) → $60,354 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hastings, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Hastings or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Hastings to Lincoln as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Hastings vs Lincoln?
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