Waterloo vs West Des Moines: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Waterloo, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Waterloo, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,796 | $57,027▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.30 | $27.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,942 | $33,076▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,518▲ | $45,732 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,698 | $72,995▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,033 | $88,393▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 16▲ |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Waterloo and West Des Moines is $231 (0.41%). West Des Moines's median is -11.62% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Waterloo spans $55,091,West Des Moines spans $55,317. West Des Moines 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, West Des Moines ($63,083 effective) pays 0.41% more than Waterloo ($62,827 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,027/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,393)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,083)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Waterloo grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Waterloo, IA
$51,029 (2024) → $55,962 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$51,237 (2024) → $56,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waterloo, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Waterloo or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Waterloo and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Waterloo to West Des Moines as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Waterloo vs West Des Moines?
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