Rochester vs Winona: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Rochester, MN and Winona, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | Winona, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,981▲ | $60,234 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.76▲ | $28.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,109▲ | $34,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,921▲ | $49,645 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,896▲ | $77,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,171▲ | $93,364 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Rochester and Winona is $3,747 (6.22%). 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 Rochester spans $62,062,Winona spans $58,428. Rochester has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($64,955 effective) pays 6.22% more than Winona ($61,151 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Winona if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Rochester grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Winona over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$64,451 (2024) → $63,042 (2025)
Winona, MN
$60,676 (2024) → $59,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Winona, MN
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