Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $27.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Waterloo, IA runs $27.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,071 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, flight attendants in Waterloo, IA, can expect a median hourly pay of $27.30, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national hourly median of $31.02. This pay rate accommodates various positions, including both full-time flight attendants and part-time or per-diem workers who might work three days a week. The hourly earning potential spans from $15.83 for entry-level positions to $42.32 for top earners, illustrating a wide range of compensation that can be influenced by seniority and operational demands. Typical duties occur within commercial aircraft cabins, range from Boeing and Airbus models to providing services at galley stations, and may include layovers at premium hotels. This environment enables flight attendants to earn additional income through per-diem allowances, enhancing overall compensation even for those who work part-time.
About the Waterloo 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) | $15.83 | $126.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.37 | $178.95 |
| Median (P50) | $27.30 | $218.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.95 | $279.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.32 | $338.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
Based on $27.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.30/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterloo, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,761. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.03 | $4,732 | $56,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.22 | $2,839 | $34,071 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.81 | $1,893 | $22,714 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Waterloo) | $27.30 |
| 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 Waterloo, IA earn a median of $56,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $58,372.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.30/hr = $34,071/year (purchasing power: $37,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,786/year (purchasing power: $62,816).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Waterloo grew 12.3% from $23.96/hr (2019) to $26.90/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.71/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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo
Considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, a flight attendant in Waterloo could notably earn less than their full-time counterparts. This arrangement would yield a manageable annual income, often supplemented by per-diem pay, which can reach $1.80-$3.00 per hour on international flights and slightly less on domestic routes. Even if per-diem compensation can boost effective hourly rates to between $50-$80 for those flying internationally, the unpredictability of assignments and potential unpaid hours during reserve times may impact overall earnings. The flight attendant hourly pay in Waterloo varies significantly based on the type of employer, with major US carriers offering different compensation scales compared to low-cost carriers and regional airlines. Flight attendants must weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against health insurance and other job perks, creating a decision matrix that reflects individual priorities. Negotiation strategies in this sector often hinge on proven experience, regulatory certifications like the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency, and insights gained from union representation such as AFA-CWA or TWU, which can drive pay increases and establish better working conditions.
More salary data for Waterloo, 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 Waterloo. 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 Waterloo 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