How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?
$63,760median annual salary
$30.65/hour · $5,313/month · BLS Code: 53-2031
Flight attendants ensure passenger safety, provide customer service, and respond to emergencies during flights. They receive free or heavily discounted travel benefits, which many consider a major career perk. Pay is based on seniority, and senior flight attendants at major airlines earn competitive salaries.
Flight Attendant Salary at a Glance
Entry Level
$37,020
Starting salary
Median
$63,760
50th percentile
Senior Level
$98,610
Experienced professionals
Top 10%
$105,400
90th percentile
Salary Range
Salary by Experience Level
Top Paying States for Flight Attendants
#1
Washington
$83,470
#2
California
$81,290
#3
Oregon
$78,640
#4
New York
$77,510
#5
Hawaii
$75,830
Top Paying Cities for Flight Attendants
Education & Requirements
Education
High school diploma required; customer service experience preferred; airline-specific training (3-6 weeks)
Typical Degree
High School Diploma
Certifications
Job Outlook
+11%
Projected Growth (2022-2032)
128,300
Total Employed
BLS Outlook Category
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Flight Attendant Salary FAQ
How much do flight attendants make?
The median salary is about $63,760. Starting pay is around $37,020, but senior flight attendants at major airlines earn $80,000-$100,000+. Per diem pay for meals/expenses adds $2,000-$5,000+/year.
Do flight attendants fly for free?
Yes. Most airlines offer free or nearly free standby flights for flight attendants and their families (dependents, parents, sometimes friends). Some airlines also offer discounted confirmed tickets.
How long is flight attendant training?
Airline-specific training lasts 3-6 weeks. It covers safety procedures, emergency evacuations, first aid, service protocols, and FAA regulations. You must pass all evaluations to earn your wings.
Is being a flight attendant a good career?
It offers travel benefits, flexible schedules (with seniority), good pay for the education level, and 11% job growth. The downsides include irregular schedules, time away from home, and jet lag.
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Read moreSalary data is based on BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry surveys, and widely-reported compensation benchmarks. Figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions. This is educational content — not career or financial advice.