Hays vs Topeka: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Hays, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,638 | $58,919▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.27 | $28.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,207▲ | $34,173 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,034 | $48,941▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,937 | $75,416▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,689 | $91,325▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Topeka is $4,281 (7.84%). 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 Hays spans $50,482,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 7.84% more than Hays ($60,108 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays 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 Hays grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Hays, KS
$46,809 (2024) → $53,836 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$50,477 (2024) → $58,054 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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