Independence vs St. Louis: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Independence, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,592 | $61,545▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.13 | $29.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,143 | $35,696▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,794▲ | $49,493 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,558 | $78,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,917 | $95,395▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 68▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and St. Louis is $953 (1.57%). St. Louis's median is -4.62% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $58,774,St. Louis spans $59,699. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($68,689 effective) pays 1.57% more than Independence ($67,625 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,545/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,395)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,689)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Independence grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Independence, MO
$53,036 (2024) → $59,702 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$53,870 (2024) → $60,641 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Independence or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Independence to St. Louis as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Independence vs St. Louis?
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