St. Louis vs Joplin: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between St. Louis, MO and Joplin, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Joplin, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,545▲ | $57,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.58▲ | $27.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,696▲ | $33,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,493▲ | $46,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,777▲ | $73,680 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,395▲ | $89,221 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 8 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Joplin is $3,983 (6.92%). 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 St. Louis spans $59,699,Joplin spans $55,835. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($68,689 effective) pays 6.92% more than Joplin ($64,243 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Joplin if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in St. Louis grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Joplin over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$53,870 (2024) → $60,641 (2025)
Joplin, MO
$50,384 (2024) → $56,717 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Joplin, MO
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