Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $29.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Appleton, WI runs $29.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,719 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Appleton, Wisconsin, flight attendants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $29.42, which falls slightly below the national average of $31.02. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a decent income while managing commitments outside of work. Flight attendants typically operate in environments such as commercial aircraft cabins, including popular models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. They may also work in galley service stations, occupy jumpseat positions during takeoff and landing, and spend nights in hotel layovers, usually at premium properties. The hourly pay range varies significantly, starting at $17.06 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $45.60 for top earners, showcasing the potential for significant growth based on experience and employer status.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.06 | $136.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.63 | $197.05 |
| Median (P50) | $29.42 | $235.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.65 | $301.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.60 | $364.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $29.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.42/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $61,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,306. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.88 | $5,100 | $61,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.13 | $3,060 | $36,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.75 | $2,040 | $24,479 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Appleton) | $29.42 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Air Traffic Controller (National Avg) | $66.35 |
| Travel Agent (National Avg) | $22.99 |
| Hotel / Cruise Desk Clerk (National Avg) | $16.49 |
Flight Attendants in Appleton, WI earn a median of $61,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.17% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 1.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,933.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.42/hr = $36,719/year (purchasing power: $39,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,198/year (purchasing power: $65,522).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Appleton grew 12.3% from $25.83/hr (2019) to $28.99/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.86/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem flight attendants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Flight Attendant in Appleton
For flight attendants in Appleton, part-time schedules can produce different financial realities. A flight attendant working just three days a week for around 24 hours can still accumulate a respectable income compared to full-time colleagues. Additionally, per diem compensation is a notable aspect of this profession, with meal and incidentals reimbursement typically ranging from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights and slightly lower for domestic travel. This means some flight attendants can effectively boost their earnings significantly during international routes, with potential hourly rates soaring to between $50 and $80, reflecting the financial benefits of per diem pay. However, the job landscape varies depending on the type of airline, from major US carriers to low-cost and regional airlines, impacting hourly rates and benefits. While some flight attendants may opt for jobs that offer lower pay but better health insurance and benefits, new entrants should be prepared to negotiate effectively on hourly rates when considering their options in the Appleton area.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for flight attendants in Appleton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Appleton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov