Flight Attendant Salary in Billings, MT: $67,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Billings, MT earns a median $67,499/year (≈ $32.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Billings's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $70,165 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flight attendants in Billings, Montana, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $67,499 in 2026, placing local compensation slightly above the national median of $64,527. The salary range for this occupation is quite broad, with the potential to earn as little as $39,150 at the 10th percentile and as much as $104,623 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, reflecting the job's international versus domestic service nuances, where those servicing long-haul routes can command additional premiums in their pay. Given the unique landscape of Billings' aviation sector, aspiring flight attendants should carefully consider how factors such as language proficiency stipends and seniority-based pay scales could elevate their earnings, particularly when competing for positions in a city with a relatively stable job market.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,150 | $18.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,764 | $25.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,499 | $32.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,398 | $41.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,623 | $50.30 |
Median Salary Position
4.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
In Billings, MT, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,473 (2026 est.). At $67,499, the local median is 4.61% above the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Billings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Billings Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Billings median: $67,499/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Billings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $65,469 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $64,527 | +4.61% more |
Flight Attendants in Billings, MT earn a median of $67,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.61% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 3.10% above the Montana state average of $65,469.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Billings has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Billings, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $67,499 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,165 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,248
2025 BLS Actual
$66,508
2026 Current Est.
$67,499
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,248 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,769 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,479 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,696 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,519 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,505 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Billings metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $59,248 (2019) to $66,508 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,505 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,257 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,150 – $53,764 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,764 – $67,499 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,499 – $86,398 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,398 – $104,623 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Billings
In Billings, where there are currently 26 employed flight attendants, the cost of living index is measured at 96.2, indicating that housing and basic expenses are slightly lower than the national average. This dynamic can enhance the purchasing power of flight attendants, allowing them to stretch their salaries further. Major airlines such as Delta and American may offer the highest flight attendant pay in Billings, but opportunities with low-cost carriers and regional airlines also exist. Salary variations primarily arise from factors like years of service, long-haul assignments, and additional pay opportunities such as per-diem reimbursements. To maximize their compensation, flight attendants in Billings should consider seeking seniority within their employer’s structure, which directly impacts pay progression, or aim for international routes that typically offer higher rates. Recognizing the value of experience and specialized skills such as language proficiency can also be an effective strategy to enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $66,508 for flight attendantsin the Billings metropolitan area. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billings 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