Honolulu vs Kailua: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,534▲ | $75,958 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.20▲ | $36.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,289▲ | $44,056 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,291▲ | $62,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,363▲ | $97,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,377▲ | $117,736 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kailua.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kailua is $5,576 (7.34%). Honolulu's median is +26.36% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $79,088,Kailua spans $73,680. Honolulu 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, Honolulu ($68,344 effective) pays 7.34% more than Kailua ($63,670 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,534/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,377)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,344)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Honolulu grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Kailua over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$86,322 (2024) → $80,337 (2025)
Kailua, HI
$80,418 (2024) → $74,843 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kailua, HI
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
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