Flight Attendant Salary 2025: Median $63,580, Top Earners Over $136,000
The median flight attendant earns $63,580 per year, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $31 per hour, with the top 10% of earners making more than $136,430. The bottom 10%, often those in low-cost carriers or part-time roles, earn around $35,110. These figures are national estimates as of May 2023, the most recent data released by BLS.
How much Flight Attendants earn
The average (mean) annual wage for flight attendants is $77,440, but the median—the midpoint where half earn more and half earn less—is $63,580. The wide gap between median and mean reflects high earners at major legacy airlines pulling up the average.
Most flight attendants are paid per flight hour, not per hour on the ground. Actual take-home pay depends on seniority, aircraft type, international vs. domestic routes, and how many hours you choose to fly. Union contracts typically set pay scales, and senior flight attendants on wide-body international trips can easily exceed $100,000 annually.
Pay by state
Where you live—and more importantly, where your airline is based—matters enormously. New York leads with an average salary of $126,650, nearly double the national average. Utah ($82,730), California ($82,170), Georgia ($78,320), and Connecticut ($78,180) also pay well above the median.
On the lower end, flight attendants in Pennsylvania earn just $39,520 on average. Florida ($47,320) and Nevada ($51,800) also trail behind. These states tend to have a higher concentration of low-cost carriers and smaller regional airlines that pay less.
How to become a Flight Attendant
The typical path starts with a high school diploma or equivalent. Most airlines require at least one to two years of customer service experience, especially in hospitality or retail. A college degree isn't mandatory but can help you stand out.
After getting hired, you'll complete three to six weeks of unpaid training at the airline's training center. Training covers safety procedures, emergency drills, first aid, and service protocols. You must pass a final exam and receive FAA certification. Then you'll be assigned a base city and placed on reserve—on-call for trips as needed—for months or even years depending on the airline.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of flight attendants to grow 9.2% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 19,800 job openings per year, most of which come from workers transferring to other occupations or retiring.
With 131,650 current positions, the growth is driven by increased air travel demand and the need to replace workers who leave the industry. Competition for jobs at the highest-paying airlines remains strong, but the overall outlook is favorable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a flight attendant?
Starting pay varies by airline but typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 annually during the first year, often less than $20 per flight hour. Many new hires start on reserve, which limits flying hours.
Do flight attendants get paid for boarding and delays?
Most U.S. airlines pay only for flight time—from pushback to arrival. Boarding, delays, and ground time are generally unpaid. However, some airlines have minimum hours guarantees that partially offset this.
How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
The hiring process takes several months from application to training start. Once hired, training is 3–6 weeks unpaid, then you begin working as a reserve flight attendant. It can take 1–2 years to hold a regular line with a predictable schedule.
Which airlines pay flight attendants the most?
Major legacy carriers like Delta, United, American, and Alaska generally top the pay scales. At top seniority, captains' flight attendants on international wide-body aircraft can earn over $150,000 per year plus per diem.
Is flight attendant a good career long-term?
Yes, for those who value travel and flexibility. Seniority brings higher pay, better schedules, and first-class bidding. However, the lifestyle includes irregular hours, time away from home, and physical demands. Job growth is strong at 9.2% through 2034.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Flight Attendants data.