Flight attendants in the United States earn varying salaries depending on experience, airline, and location. Here is a summary of the pay:
- The average hourly wage for a flight attendant is around $29.33 to $28.88 per flight hour for entry-level positions, with pay increasing annually up to about $67.11 per flight hour by the 13th year of service at some airlines like United Airlines
- Median annual salaries range from about $56,000 to $68,370, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median of $68,370 in 2023
- More experienced flight attendants or those working for major airlines can earn between $70,000 and over $100,000 annually, with some sources citing averages around $86,753 per year and ranges from $65,000 to $119,000
- Flight attendants typically do not work a standard 40-hour week but may fly 60 to 90 flight hours per month, which translates to a higher effective hourly rate during flight hours, sometimes estimated between $62.50 and $83.50 per flight hour worked
- Pay varies by location, with higher wages often found in states like California, Florida, and Washington, where annual wages can exceed $75,000 to over $98,000
In summary, a typical flight attendant in the U.S. can expect to earn from about $56,000 to $86,000 annually, with hourly flight pay starting near $29 and increasing with seniority, reflecting the unique work schedule and union- negotiated pay scales in the industry.
