Flight attendants in the United States earn a median annual salary of $63,760 as of 2023. Entry-level positions start at around $38,000, while experienced attendants can make over $85,000. Salaries vary by airline, experience, and union agreements.
What Does a Flight Attendant Earn?
The average flight attendant’s salary in the U.S. is $68,370 per year, or about $29.06 per hour. Entry-level jobs begin around $27,000, while senior flight attendants can earn over $85,000. Factors like years of service, union agreements, and airline type directly impact pay.
Most major airlines use tiered pay scales. Flight attendants earn higher wages each year they stay employed. For example, after 10 years, pay increases to over $53 per hour on some carriers. Top earners exceed $80/hour, particularly in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Miami, where cost of living adjustments and union contracts apply.
Flight Attendant Salary Table (United States, 2025)
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate (USD) | Annual Median (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $25–$32 | $27,000–$35,000 | Entry-level, varies by airline |
| 2nd Year | $30–$35 | – | Based on major airline pay scales |
| 5th Year | $38–$43 | – | Significant jump with seniority |
| 10th Year | $53–$57 | – | Top-tier pay for experienced FAs |
| 13th Year+ | $67–$80 | $68,370 (median) | Senior, maxed-out pay scale |
| National Median | $29.06 (avg/hr) | $68,370 (median) | All experience levels |
| Top 25% | – | $86,610 | Highest earners |
| Bottom 25% | – | $49,690 | Lowest earners |
How Location and Airline Type Affect Pay
Flight attendant salaries vary significantly by city and airline. Those based in metropolitan areas such as New York (NY) or San Francisco often receive higher base pay and cost-of-living bonuses. Airlines with unionized teams typically offer stronger flight attendant compensation packages.
- Legacy airlines (like Delta or American Airlines) pay more than budget carriers.
- International airlines (like Emirates or Qatar Airways) may offer tax-free housing and other benefits.
- Regional carriers pay less, with hourly wage rates starting around $20–$25.
Example: A regional flight attendant in Florida may earn $45,000, while a senior flight attendant in San Francisco might receive $86,000 plus bonuses.
Flight Attendant Pay by Experience Level
Seniority directly increases a flight attendant’s pay. Most contracts use strict year-by-year increments. Each year of service adds more to the hourly rate, travel allowance, and vacation time.
Key experience-based milestones:
- 1–2 years: Initial training, probation, and base responsibilities. Lower pay tier.
- 5 years: Eligible for more complex routes and lead flight roles. Pay increases significantly.
- 10+ years: Senior flight attendants take leadership positions, receive priority routes, and reach top-tier pay.
Training periods are typically unpaid or compensated at reduced rates, but completion is required for full employment.
Factors That Impact Flight Attendant Pay
Several factors influence flight attendant compensation, beyond years of experience:
- Union contracts: Stronger agreements improve pay and work hours.
- Flight hours worked: Attendants are only paid from door close to door open. Ground time is usually unpaid.
- Aircraft type and route: International or long-haul flights may provide extra diem and bonuses.
- Language qualifications: Bilingual flight attendants can receive premium pay.
- City base: Cost of living adjustments apply in high-cost areas like NY or CA.
Example: A bilingual FA flying long-haul international routes from NY can earn more than a domestic FA with the same years of experience.
What Benefits and Perks Do Flight Attendants Receive?
In addition to base salary, flight attendants receive valuable non-cash benefits:
- Free standby travel for self and family (subject to seat availability)
- Per diem allowances for meals and travel
- Health and dental insurance
- Retirement plans
- Hotel accommodations during layovers
Standby travel benefits are not truly “free.” Attendants often pay small fees, and seat priority is determined by seniority. Per diem payments range from $1.50 to $2.75 per hour on duty and are mostly untaxed, which adds to take-home income.
Comparing Regional and International Airline Salaries
Flight attendants working for international airlines tend to earn more than those in regional carriers.
| Airline Type | Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major U.S. Airline | $40,000–$85,000 | Strong union protections |
| Budget Carrier | $25,000–$45,000 | Fewer benefits, high turnover |
| International Flag Carrier | $50,000–$95,000 | Higher per diem, tax-free income |
| Regional Carrier | $25,000–$40,000 | Limited routes, fewer perks |
International carriers often offer perks like housing, tax-free salaries, and global travel benefits. Regional jobs offer quicker hiring processes but lower pay and fewer benefits.
How to Maximize Your Flight Attendant Salary
To increase your salary as a flight attendant:
- Stay with one airline long term to gain seniority.
- Apply for premium routes and long-haul international flights.
- Learn a second language to qualify for language incentive pay.
- Take on additional roles like lead FA or trainer.
- Choose a major airline with a strong union to get better contracts.
Seniority also determines your monthly schedule, allowing you to choose weekends off, preferred cities, or less overnight travel as you move up.
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Do flight attendants get paid for time spent on the ground, such as boarding, delays, or cleaning?
No. Flight attendants are typically only paid for “flight hours,” which begin when doors close and end when they open. Ground duties like cleaning or delays are mostly unpaid.
Can flight attendants increase their income with side jobs or additional duties within the airline?
Yes. Airlines may pay more for lead roles, speaking additional languages, or mentoring new hires. Traditional side jobs outside the airline are difficult due to unpredictable hours.
How do per diem payments work, and are they taxed?
Per diem starts when duty begins and ends after the final flight. These payments cover meals and incidentals and are usually untaxed, which increases take-home pay.
Are standby travel benefits for flight attendants truly “free”?
No. Standby travel includes small administrative fees, and seats are only available if unsold. Senior flight attendants get priority for empty seats.
