How much do flight attendants make?

The salary of a flight attendant varies depending on the airline, their experience, and their location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for flight attendants in the United States is $61,640 per year

Percentile wage estimates for Flight Attendants (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics):

Percentile10%25%50%(Median)75%90%
Annual Wage$ 37,020$ 48,780$ 61,640$ 76,920
$ 81,400

However, entry-level flight attendants may make less than this amount, while experienced and senior flight attendants may earn more. In addition to their base salary, flight attendants may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and travel privileges.

How much do flight attendants make per hour?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for flight attendants in the United States is $29.63. 

In addition to their hourly pay, flight attendants may also receive other compensation, such as per diem for meals and lodging during layovers and overtime pay for working beyond their scheduled hours. Some airlines also offer bonuses or profit-sharing programs based on company performance.

How much do flight attendants make per flight?

Flight attendants are typically not paid per flight, but rather receive a salary or hourly wage for their work, as well as additional compensation for certain duties or circumstances.

The exact amount that flight attendants earn per flight can vary depending on several factors, such as the airline they work for, the length of the flight, and the type of aircraft. Some airlines may offer additional pay for working on international flights or for working during certain times of the day, such as overnight or early morning flights.

Overall, flight attendants’ compensation can be complex and may include various factors beyond a simple per-flight rate.

How much do international flight attendants make?

The average salary for international flight attendants in the United States is around $51,000 to $107,000 per year. This figure can vary widely depending on the airline and the specific job responsibilities.

The salary of international flight attendants can vary depending on several factors such as the airline they work for, their level of experience, and their location. Generally, international flight attendants earn more than domestic flight attendants due to longer flight times, overnight stays, and the need for more language skills.

International flight attendants may also receive additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and travel privileges.

How much do domestic flight attendants make?

The average salary for domestic flight attendants in the United States is around $28,000 to $80,000 annually. This figure can vary widely depending on the airline and the specific job responsibilities.

Generally, domestic flight attendants earn less than international flight attendants due to shorter flight times and less need for language skills.

It is worth noting that domestic flight attendants may also receive additional benefits.

How many hours do flight attendants work?

On average, flight attendants may work between 75 to 100 hours per month, although this can vary widely depending on the airline and the specific job responsibilities. The number of hours that flight attendants work varies depending on several factors, such as the airline they work for, the routes they fly, and the length of their layovers. 

Typically, flight attendants work a combination of scheduled and unscheduled hours, including weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), flight attendants cannot work more than 14 hours per duty period, including pre-flight preparation and post-flight duties. They are also required to have a minimum of 9 hours of rest before their next duty period. Additionally, the FAA limits the number of hours that flight attendants can work in a week and in a month, depending on factors such as the type of flight and the number of flight segments.

For example, the FAA limits domestic flight attendants to work a maximum of 60 hours in a 7-day period or 190 hours in a month. For international flights, the limit is 75 hours in a 7-day period or 190 hours in a month. These limits may be adjusted based on factors such as time zone changes, the length of layovers, and the number of flight segments.

States with the highest employment level in Flight Attendants with Annual Wage

The following data are provided by the Bureau of Labour Statistic

StateEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Texas12,050$ 59,770
California11,800$ 62,000
Florida11,020$ 62,620
Illinois8,190$ 56,700
New York6,530$ 69,250

Top-paying states for Flight Attendants

The following data are provided by the Bureau of Labour Statistic

StateEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Connecticut60$ 111,500
Hawaii1,460$ 104,110
New York6,530$ 69,250
Massachusetts2,610$ 67,010
Oregon620$ 65,550

Top-paying metropolitan areas for Flight Attendants

The following data are provided by the Bureau of Labour Statistic

Metropolitan areaEmployment Annual mean wage 
Kansas City, MO-KSUnknown$ 94,320
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL230$ 72,130
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL2,600$ 67,620
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH2,600$ 67,170
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA560$ 66,950
Columbus, OH330$ 66,080
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA3,410$ 65,080
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ3,810$ 64,640
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI2,850$ 64,380
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GAUnknow$ 64,030

Which airline pays the most for flight attendants?

It appears that Delta Air Lines pays its flight attendants the highest among the three major US carriers (Delta, American, and United). Furthermore, other airlines and smaller regional carriers may offer different compensation packages for their flight attendants.

Here is a list of flight attendant wages per airline

How much do Delta Air Lines flight attendants make?

According to job openings at Delta Air Lines, the average base pay for Delta flight attendants is around $45,000 to $50,000 per year. Generally, Delta flight attendants are well compensated compared to other airlines in the United States.

In addition to their base pay, Delta flight attendants receive additional compensation such as profit sharing, annual bonuses, and travel benefits. Delta Air Lines also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The compensation of Delta Air Lines flight attendants is competitive in the industry, and the company has a reputation for providing good working conditions and benefits to its employees.

How much do American Airlines flight attendants make?

According to job openings at American Airlines, the average base pay for American Airlines flight attendants is around $35,000 to $58,000 per year. This figure can vary depending on the length of service and other factors such as their level of experience, their job performance, and their location. 

Similar to major airlines in the USA,  American Airlines flight attendants may receive additional compensation such as profit sharing, annual bonuses, and travel benefits. American Airlines also provides a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

American Airlines flight attendants’ compensation is also competitive in the industry, and the company has a reputation for providing good working conditions and benefits to its employees.

How much do United Airlines flight attendants make?

According to job openings at United Airlines, the average base pay for United Airlines flight attendants is around $35,000 to $55,000 per year. They may receive different salaries, which can depend on various factors such as experience, job performance, and location.

Apart from their basic salary, United Airlines flight attendants may be eligible for additional compensation such as profit-sharing, yearly bonuses, and travel perks. Furthermore, the company offers an inclusive benefits package that encompasses health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

United Airlines flight attendants are typically paid well in comparison to their counterparts at other airlines in the United States. It is important to mention that United Airlines offers competitive compensation in the industry, and has established a reputation for providing favorable working conditions and benefits to its staff.

How much do Spirit flight attendants make?

According to job openings at Spirit Airlines, the average base pay for Spirit Airlines flight attendants is around $24,000 to $49,000 per year. 

It is worth noting that the compensation of Spirit Airlines flight attendants may be lower compared to some other airlines mentioned above, but it is competitive within the industry. Additionally, Spirit Airlines has a reputation for offering good working conditions and benefits to its employees.

How much do Southwest Airlines flight attendants make? 

According to the job openings at Southwest Airlines, the average base pay for Southwest Airlines flight attendants is around $33,000 to $58,000 per year. 
The compensation of Southwest Airlines flight attendants is generally competitive within the industry such as profit sharing, annual bonuses, and travel benefits. Southwest Airlines also provides a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.