Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Papillion, NE: $26.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Papillion, NE runs $26.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,755 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Papillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Papillion, Nebraska, flight attendants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $26.33, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.02. This hourly rate offers insights into the financial realities faced by part-time and per-diem flight attendants. Typically working in commercial aircraft settings—such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s—crew members often take on a schedule of three days a week, accommodating both their personal lives and the demanding nature of the airline industry. The hourly earnings in Papillion range from $16.22 for entry-level positions to $40.80 for experienced flight attendants, reflecting a substantial variance based on seniority and employer type. Data for these figures is derived from annual salary estimates, further information confirming the varying scales of compensation available within the regional market.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.22 | $129.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.45 | $179.60 |
| Median (P50) | $26.33 | $210.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.69 | $269.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.80 | $326.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Papillion
Based on $26.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.33/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Papillion, NE can expect to earn approximately $54,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,592. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Papillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Papillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,053.06 | $4,563 | $54,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.84 | $2,738 | $32,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.22 | $1,825 | $21,904 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Papillion) | $26.33 |
| 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 Papillion, NE earn a median of $54,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.14% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $58,876.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.33/hr = $32,855/year (purchasing power: $35,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,759/year (purchasing power: $59,846).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Papillion grew 12.3% from $23.11/hr (2019) to $25.94/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.72/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 Papillion 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 Papillion
When considering the part-time earning potential, a flight attendant working three days a week—totaling around 24 hours—may take home less than their full-time counterparts, ultimately impacting their annual income. Per-diem flight attendant pay in Papillion plays a crucial role in overall compensation, as these tax-advantaged earnings can provide additional financial support during trips. With per-diem rates commonly ranging from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour, international roles can push effective hourly rates to a more lucrative range. Furthermore, flight attendants may find their hourly wages differ drastically depending on whether they work for major U.S. airlines such as Delta and United, low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, or regional services. The balance between hourly pay and benefits often informs the decision-making of potential candidates, with some prioritizing health benefits over a higher wage. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding these nuances and the importance of seniority can significantly enhance their bargaining positions in a competitive market.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
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 Papillion. 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 Papillion 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