Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $26.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Burlington, IA runs $26.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, flight attendants earn a median hourly rate of $26.94, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.02. This rate reflects the opportunities and challenges specific to the area. With an hourly range spanning from $15.65 for entry-level positions up to $41.75 for the most experienced flight attendants, the pay can vary considerably based on factors such as seniority and the nature of the airline. For those working part-time, such as a three-day weekly schedule, this translates to a monthly income that can support a modest living considering Burlington's cost of living is below the national average. Flight attendants typically work on various aircraft types, ranging from the Boeing 737 and A320 to larger models like the 777 and 787, engaged in both cabin service and critical safety roles during takeoff and landing. The complexities of layovers and per-diem compensation also play a significant role in the overall financial picture.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.65 | $125.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.37 | $178.95 |
| Median (P50) | $26.94 | $215.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.49 | $275.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.75 | $334.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $26.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.94/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,323. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,077.42 | $4,669 | $56,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.45 | $2,801 | $33,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.97 | $1,868 | $22,410 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Burlington) | $26.94 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Air Traffic Controller (National Avg) | $66.35 |
| Travel Agent (National Avg) | $22.99 |
| Hotel / Cruise Desk Clerk (National Avg) | $16.49 |
Flight Attendants in Burlington, IA earn a median of $56,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $58,368.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.94/hr = $33,615/year (purchasing power: $37,185).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,026/year (purchasing power: $61,975).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Burlington grew 12.3% from $23.64/hr (2019) to $26.54/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem flight attendants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Working as an Hourly Flight Attendant in Burlington
Part-time flight attendants working three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, can earn a substantial income, although still less than their full-time counterparts. When factoring in the opportunities for per-diem flight attendant pay in Burlington, particularly for meals and incidentals, earnings can increase. Domestic per-diem rates are around $1.80 to $2.30 per hour, while international can range from $1.80 to $3.00, often offering significant tax advantages. For flight attendants on international routes, total effective hourly earnings can reach $50 to $80 when you consider the added per-diem, although junior reserve attendants may face unpaid waiting periods. Hourly pay can vary across different employer types in Burlington as well; major US carriers like Delta and American often offer advantages in benefits, whereas low-cost carriers or regional airlines might provide higher hourly rates without health coverage. Understanding these dynamics is essential for both new applicants considering their options and current flight attendants looking to negotiate their pay in the ever-evolving aviation industry.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for flight attendants in Burlington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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