Helena vs Missoula: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Helena, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Helena, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,687 | $64,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.14 | $30.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,924 | $37,129▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,449 | $52,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,240 | $81,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,166 | $99,225▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $1,329 (2.12%). Missoula's median is -0.79% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Helena spans $60,242,Missoula spans $62,096. Missoula 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, Missoula ($66,545 effective) pays 2.12% more than Helena ($65,163 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,225)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,545)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Helena grew 21.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$50,668 (2024) → $61,767 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$51,742 (2024) → $63,076 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Helena or Missoula?
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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