Flight Attendant Salary in Onalaska, WI: $58,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Onalaska, WI earns a median $58,974/year (≈ $28.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Onalaska's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $63,141 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, flight attendants in Onalaska, Wisconsin, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $58,974, reflecting a step increase model that rewards longevity and experience in the profession. The salary varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $34,205 and the highest reaching up to $91,409, illustrating the impact of seniority on earnings. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, which indicate a salary structure influenced by both the local economy and broader aviation industry trends. While Onalaska's flight attendant pay is lower than the national median of $64,527, the compensation levels still attract candidates looking for stable opportunities in the aviation sector.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,205 | $16.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,701 | $24.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,974 | $28.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,486 | $36.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,409 | $43.95 |
Median Salary Position
8.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
In Onalaska, WI, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,204 (2026 est.). At $58,974, the local median is 8.61% below the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Onalaska: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Onalaska Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Onalaska median: $58,974/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Onalaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,882 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | -8.61% less |
Flight Attendants in Onalaska, WI earn a median of $58,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.61% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,882.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Onalaska has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Onalaska, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A flight attendant earning $58,974 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,141 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,765
2025 BLS Actual
$58,108
2026 Current Est.
$58,974
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,604 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,853 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Onalaska metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $51,765 (2019) to $58,108 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,853 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,088 (15.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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) | $34,205 – $50,701 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,701 – $58,974 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,974 – $75,486 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,486 – $91,409 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Onalaska
The local job market in Onalaska shows a modest presence with only four flight attendants currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, taking home pay can stretch further in comparison to many other regions, allowing for a reasonable lifestyle despite the lower salary levels. Among employers, the major U.S. carriers like Delta and American typically offer the highest pay scales, but regional airlines and low-cost carriers also present opportunities for local job seekers. The discrepancy in pay among flight attendants stems largely from factors such as experience, whether a position involves international routes, and additional perks like per-diem for travel-related expenses. To maximize earnings in this Onalaska market, aspiring flight attendants should consider prioritizing positions with long-haul international carriers, gaining certifications that enhance employability, and maximizing seniority as it directly correlates with income growth.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
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 $58,108 for flight attendantsin the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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