Flight Attendant Salary

Kaneohe vs Waipahu: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Kaneohe, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kaneohe, HI
$76,143
$36.61/hr
Waipahu, HI
$75,084
$36.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKaneohe, HIWaipahu, HI
Median Salary$76,143$75,084
Hourly Rate$36.61$36.10
Entry Level (P10)$44,163$43,549
25th Percentile$62,519$60,347
75th Percentile$97,463$96,108
Top Earner (P90)$118,022$116,381
Total Employed59
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kaneohe ($76,143) and Waipahu ($75,084) flight attendant salaries.KaneoheWaipahuMedian Salary$76,143$75,084Entry Level (P10)$44,163$43,549Top Earner (P90)$118,022$116,381US Median $64,527

Verdict

Kaneohe, HI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waipahu.

The salary gap between Kaneohe and Waipahu is $1,059 (1.41%). Kaneohe's median is +18.00% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kaneohe spans $73,859,Waipahu spans $72,832. Kaneohe has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kaneohe
P10 (Entry)$44,163
P25$62,519
Median$76,143
P75$97,463
P90 (Top)$118,022
Waipahu
P10 (Entry)$43,549
P25$60,347
Median$75,084
P75$96,108
P90 (Top)$116,381

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kaneohe ($63,825 effective) pays 1.41% more than Waipahu ($62,937 effective).

Kaneohe
Nominal: $76,143
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $63,825
Waipahu
Nominal: $75,084
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $62,937

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kaneohe if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,143/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($118,022)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,825)
  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Choose Waipahu if…

  • Larger job market (9 employed)
  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Kaneohe grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Waipahu over the same period.

Kaneohe, HI

+-6.9%

$80,613 (2024) → $75,025 (2025)

Waipahu, HI

+-6.9%

$79,493 (2024) → $73,982 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Kaneohe or Waipahu?

Kaneohe has a higher median flight attendant salary at $76,143/year, compared to Waipahu at $75,084/year — a difference of $1,059 (1.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kaneohe and Waipahu?

Kaneohe flight attendants earn $36.61/hr while Waipahu hygienists earn $36.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kaneohe to Waipahu as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kaneohe and Waipahu. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kaneohe = $63,825, Waipahu = $62,937), job availability (5 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Kaneohe vs Waipahu?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $44,163 in Kaneohe and $43,549 in Waipahu. The Kaneohe area offers higher starting salaries.
EJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Raj Patel, AFA-CWAData verified by Maria Gomez, AFA-CWA

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