Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $26.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Muscatine, IA runs $26.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muscatine, IA, flight attendants earn a median hourly rate of $26.20, which reflects a significant difference compared to the national average of $31.02. This wage considerably shapes the lifestyles of part-time workers, often logging about 24 hours per week, and those who rely on per-diem arrangements common in the industry. Flight attendants operate in various environments like commercial aircraft cabins, engaging in galley service on models such as the Boeing 737 and A320, while also managing jumpseat positions during takeoff and landing. New entrants to the profession can expect to start at around $16.30, while top earners can reach as high as $40.62 per hour. Given the unique demands of the role, these hourly rates allow for varied experiences, from hotel layovers at premium properties to busy crew briefing rooms at base airports.
About the Muscatine 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) | $16.30 | $130.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.48 | $179.84 |
| Median (P50) | $26.20 | $209.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.54 | $268.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.62 | $324.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $26.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.20/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $54,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,446. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,048.19 | $4,542 | $54,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.91 | $2,725 | $32,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.28 | $1,817 | $21,802 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Muscatine) | $26.20 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $54,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.54% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $58,353.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.20/hr = $32,703/year (purchasing power: $36,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,506/year (purchasing power: $60,294).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Muscatine grew 12.3% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $25.82/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.60/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
Examining the potential for part-time work, a flight attendant in Muscatine who works three days a week could expect an annual take-home income in the range of $20,000 to $30,000, depending on their specific assignments and hours worked. For many within this profession, per-diem flight attendant pay in Muscatine is a key supplement, averaging between $1.80 and $3.00 per hour, with international rates pushing the effective earnings over $50 per hour when factoring in allowances. The hourly pay can fluctuate significantly among various employers in the area, encompassing major airlines, low-cost carriers, and corporate flight operations. With full-time positions often offering better health benefits, some may choose to accept a lower hourly rate for job security and comprehensive coverage. Understanding these nuances helps prospective employees navigate pay negotiations and align compensation expectations with the realities of aviation service in Muscatine.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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