Austin vs Houston: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,129 | $66,150▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.80 | $31.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,355 | $38,367▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,272 | $53,314▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,645 | $84,672▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,500 | $102,532▲ |
| Total Employed | 192 | 481▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $21 (0.03%). Houston's median is +2.52% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $64,145,Houston spans $64,165. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($68,906 effective) pays 0.03% more than Austin ($68,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,150/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,532)
- ✓Larger job market (481 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,906)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Austin grew -10.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$72,840 (2020) → $65,158 (2025)
Houston, TX
$57,170 (2024) → $65,179 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Austin vs Houston?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov