Northfield vs Rochester: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Northfield, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Northfield, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,685 | $63,981▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.18 | $30.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,198 | $37,109▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,961 | $52,921▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,676 | $81,896▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,062 | $99,171▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northfield.
The salary gap between Northfield and Rochester is $3,296 (5.43%). Rochester's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Northfield spans $58,864,Rochester spans $62,062. Rochester 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, Rochester ($64,955 effective) pays 5.43% more than Northfield ($61,609 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Northfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,981/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,171)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,955)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Northfield grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Northfield, MN
$61,130 (2024) → $59,794 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$64,451 (2024) → $63,042 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Northfield, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Northfield or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Northfield and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Northfield to Rochester as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Northfield vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
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