Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $26.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Pierre, SD runs $26.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,350 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, flight attendants earn a median hourly rate of $26.13, significantly lower than the national median of $31.02. This rate reflects the pay structure of the industry, where flight attendants typically work on commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a predictable income that supports a modest lifestyle in a city with a cost of living index of 92.8. Entry-level positions start at around $15.15 per hour, while more experienced attendants can earn up to $40.50 per hour. Given the nature of aviation work, these hourly rates are often supplemented with per diem allowances for meals and incidentals, particularly during layovers, enhancing the overall compensation package beyond the basic hourly pay.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.15 | $121.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.60 | $180.81 |
| Median (P50) | $26.13 | $209.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.45 | $267.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.50 | $324.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $26.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.13/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $54,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,360. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,045.35 | $4,530 | $54,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $627.21 | $2,718 | $32,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.14 | $1,812 | $21,743 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Pierre) | $26.13 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $54,350 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.77% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $57,819.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.13/hr = $32,615/year (purchasing power: $35,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,358/year (purchasing power: $58,575).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Pierre grew 12.3% from $22.94/hr (2019) to $25.75/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.52/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Part-time flight attendants in Pierre who work approximately 24 hours a week can expect take-home earnings that allow for some financial stability, albeit far less than their full-time counterparts. While a full-time position leads to annual earnings that can surpass $50,000 when factoring in base pay and per diem, part-timers may feel the pinch when not transitioning into full-time roles. Per diem rates, which may range from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights, can significantly increase the effective hourly rate, especially during long-haul routes. Additionally, different types of airlines – from major carriers like Delta to low-cost options such as Spirit – exhibit varying pay structures; while regional airlines might offer lower hourly wages, they often make up for it in other benefits. Flight attendants frequently balance hourly rates with the type of benefits packages offered, deciding between lower pay with health insurance or higher pay with no benefits. When negotiating, it’s advisable to assess the total compensation, including per diems and insurance, for a clearer view of overall earnings as a flight attendant in Pierre.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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