Flight Attendant Salary

Madison vs West Allis: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Madison, WI and West Allis, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$63,095
$30.34/hr
West Allis, WI
$61,959
$29.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIWest Allis, WI
Median Salary$63,095$61,959
Hourly Rate$30.34$29.79
Entry Level (P10)$36,595$35,936
25th Percentile$50,904$49,099
75th Percentile$80,762$79,307
Top Earner (P90)$97,798$96,036
Total Employed6413
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($63,095) and West Allis ($61,959) flight attendant salaries.MadisonWest AllisMedian Salary$63,095$61,959Entry Level (P10)$36,595$35,936Top Earner (P90)$97,798$96,036US Median $64,527

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Allis.

The salary gap between Madison and West Allis is $1,136 (1.83%). Madison's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $64,527.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $61,203,West Allis spans $60,100. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$36,595
P25$50,904
Median$63,095
P75$80,762
P90 (Top)$97,798
West Allis
P10 (Entry)$35,936
P25$49,099
Median$61,959
P75$79,307
P90 (Top)$96,036

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($67,554 effective) pays 1.83% more than West Allis ($66,337 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $63,095
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $67,554
West Allis
Nominal: $61,959
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $66,337

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,095/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,798)
  • Larger job market (64 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,554)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose West Allis if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Madison grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in West Allis over the same period.

Madison, WI

+12.6%

$55,210 (2024) → $62,169 (2025)

West Allis, WI

+12.6%

$54,216 (2024) → $61,049 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Madison or West Allis?

Madison has a higher median flight attendant salary at $63,095/year, compared to West Allis at $61,959/year — a difference of $1,136 (1.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and West Allis?

Madison flight attendants earn $30.34/hr while West Allis hygienists earn $29.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to West Allis as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and West Allis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $67,554, West Allis = $66,337), job availability (64 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Madison vs West Allis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $36,595 in Madison and $35,936 in West Allis. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
EJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Raj Patel, AFA-CWAData verified by Maria Gomez, AFA-CWA

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