Boulder vs Fort Collins: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Boulder, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,127▲ | $67,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.75▲ | $32.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,514▲ | $38,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,259▲ | $52,819 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,203▲ | $85,928 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,597▲ | $104,053 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Boulder and Fort Collins is $996 (1.48%). Boulder's median is +5.58% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $66,083,Fort Collins spans $65,117. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($64,883 effective) pays 1.48% more than Fort Collins ($63,934 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,127/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,597)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,883)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Boulder grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$71,794 (2024) → $67,127 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$70,744 (2024) → $66,145 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Boulder or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Fort Collins as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Boulder vs Fort Collins?
Related Comparisons
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