Entry-Level Flight Attendant Salary in Cody, WY: $36,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:New flight attendants entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,391 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,986 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,954) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, entry-level flight attendants in Cody, Wyoming can expect a starting salary around $36,391. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median flight attendant salary of $61,954, highlighting a noticeable gap for new graduates entering the field. However, there is potential for upward mobility as entry-level workers may grow their earnings over the first 3-5 years, moving through pay brackets from $36,391 to approximately $51,539 and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. Although Cody may not be the highest-paying market in the country, with a 2026 growth rate of 1.49%, it offers a stable environment for new grad flight attendants to begin their careers.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cody
Entry-level flight attendants in Cody, WY typically start between $36,391 and $51,539 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,637 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,954 — 3.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wyoming of $1,800 represents just 4.95% of the starting flight attendant pay ($36,391/year) in Cody. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Initial training is typically provided (paid or unpaid stipend) by the hiring airline, so direct tuition costs are minimal. Some candidates attend optional preparatory flight attendant schools. Cost estimates primarily reflect travel, relocation, and pre-training preparatory expenses.
FA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level flight attendant pay ranges from $36,391 to $51,539, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Flight Attendant Compensation Range
The flight attendant wage spread in Cody is $59,637 ( 163.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,391, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,028.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,893
2025 BLS Actual
$35,857
2026 Current Est.
$36,391
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,588 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,933 | Projected |
Entry-level flight attendant compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 20.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,893 in 2019 to $35,857 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,933. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Cody
In Cody, several employers actively recruit entry-level flight attendants, with regional airlines like SkyWest and Republic providing opportunities that include structured training programs and quicker promotion timelines. While these positions generally offer lower pay compared to major airlines, they can give new grads valuable experience. Major carriers like Delta and United have more competitive hiring processes with lower acceptance rates, but entry-level pay can significantly increase once an attendant is established. A successful strategy for new hires is obtaining the FAA-issued Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency after completing airline-specific training, which often lasts 4-8 weeks. Additionally, new flight attendants should consider enhancing their resume with second language skills to qualify for international flights, which often come with higher pay. Realistically, during the first three years, salaries could increase steadily as attendants accrue seniority, with major US airlines following a pay scale that rewards experience—potentially leading to earnings between $80,000 and $100,000 for those who stick with the profession long-term.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov