Flight Attendant Salary

Middleton vs Milwaukee: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Middleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middleton, WI
$57,237
$27.51/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$68,003
$32.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddleton, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$57,237$68,003
Hourly Rate$27.51$32.69
Entry Level (P10)$34,681$39,442
25th Percentile$48,386$53,080
75th Percentile$73,264$87,044
Top Earner (P90)$88,717$105,405
Total Employed6113
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middleton ($57,237) and Milwaukee ($68,003) flight attendant salaries.MiddletonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$57,237$68,003Entry Level (P10)$34,681$39,442Top Earner (P90)$88,717$105,405US Median $64,527

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.

The salary gap between Middleton and Milwaukee is $10,766 (18.81%). Milwaukee's median is +5.39% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middleton spans $54,036,Milwaukee spans $65,963. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.

Middleton
P10 (Entry)$34,681
P25$48,386
Median$57,237
P75$73,264
P90 (Top)$88,717
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$39,442
P25$53,080
Median$68,003
P75$87,044
P90 (Top)$105,405

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($72,808 effective) pays 18.81% more than Middleton ($61,282 effective).

Middleton
Nominal: $57,237
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $61,282
Milwaukee
Nominal: $68,003
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $72,808

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middleton if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,003/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,405)
  • Larger job market (113 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,808)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Middleton grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Middleton, WI

+12.6%

$50,085 (2024) → $56,397 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+12.6%

$59,505 (2024) → $67,005 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Middleton or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median flight attendant salary at $68,003/year, compared to Middleton at $57,237/year — a difference of $10,766 (18.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middleton and Milwaukee?

Middleton flight attendants earn $27.51/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $32.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middleton to Milwaukee as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middleton and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middleton = $61,282, Milwaukee = $72,808), job availability (6 vs 113 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Middleton vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $34,681 in Middleton and $39,442 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee 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