Average Flight Attendant Salary in the United States 2025

The average salary for a Flight Attendant in the USA for 2025 is $70,980 per year (not including additional benefits like per diem allowances and free travel perks). Learn how to get a raise and increase your earnings in this guide. 

How Much Does a Flight Attendant Earn in the United States in 2025?

The average base monthly wage for a Flight Attendant in the United States in 2025 is about $5,915.00, while the annual salary reaches $70,980. These numbers provide insight into typical compensation in the airline and travel industry. 

While Flight Attendants do not receive customer tips, they often earn other forms of income. 

For example, airlines provide per diem allowances for meals and lodging during layovers, and some offer profit-sharing or bonuses. 

These additional earnings can significantly contribute to a Flight Attendant’s overall income beyond the base pay.

How Much Do Flight Attendants Earn per Week in the USA?

Using our Salary to Hourly Calculator, we’ve determined the average weekly salary for Flight Attendants in the United States to be approximately $1,365.00.

How Much Do Flight Attendants Earn per Hour in the Airline Industry?

The average hourly wage for a Flight Attendant in the United States in 2025 is about $34.13. 

However, some Flight Attendants can earn as little as $19.03 (10th percentile) per hour, while others may earn as much as $50.05 (90th percentile) per hour. This wide range reflects differences in experience, employer, and seniority among flight attendants.

Average Flight Attendant Salary in 2025 by State

The annual income for Flight Attendants in the U.S. varies greatly based on their location. States like Washington and California offer higher average wages for flight attendants, compared to states such as Mississippi and Montana where salaries tend to be more modest. 

Local cost of living and the presence of major airline hubs directly affect these earnings. For example, flight attendants in California earn about $84,540 on average, whereas in Colorado they earn around $54,060 – a reflection of differences in local demand and living costs.

In states with very high living expenses (and strong airline presence) like Washington and New York, Flight Attendants typically earn higher pay to cope with the increased cost of living.

On the other hand, in states like Montana and Mississippi, where the cost of living is lower and major airline bases are fewer, Flight Attendant salaries may be more modest by comparison. 

Moreover, states boasting major airline hubs or popular travel destinations – such as Hawaii and Florida – often provide more attractive wages to attract and retain skilled Flight Attendants, particularly during peak travel seasons. 

For instance, the average Flight Attendant salary in Hawaii is roughly double that in a state like Colorado, illustrating how location and demand can impact pay.

The table below lists Flight Attendant salaries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, sorted from highest to lowest.

State-by-state Flight Attendant salary data can help you understand where this career pays the most, and where it might pay the least.

Average Flight Attendant Salary in Major US Cities 2025

Among the four major U.S. cities listed below, Los Angeles offers Flight Attendants the highest average salaries (around $80,400), followed by Miami, New York City, and Chicago.

If you’re based in Los Angeles, you earn more on average than Flight Attendants in the other cities on this list. 

Meanwhile, Flight Attendants in New York City and Chicago have similar average earnings, and those in Miami earn somewhat less than their Los Angeles counterparts but still more than many other areas of the country.

Average Flight Attendant Salary in the USA Based on Airline

In 2025, flight attendant salaries vary significantly across U.S. airlines, primarily based on seniority, union contracts, and flight hours worked. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines offer some of the highest compensation, with top hourly rates exceeding $80 and potential total earnings surpassing $100,000 for experienced crew. 

Entry-level flight attendants at these carriers start between $30 and $36 per hour, translating to annual pay in the $30,000–$45,000 range. 

United Airlines lags slightly due to stalled contract updates, though senior staff still average around $80,000 annually. JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines offer lower starting pay—around $21–$27 per hour—but long-tenured employees can still earn $80,000 or more, especially when flying overtime or high-credit routes. 

Across the board, flight attendant compensation in 2025 has improved notably due to new contracts, cost-of-living adjustments, and increased demand for air travel.

2025 Flight Attendant Salary Comparison by Airline

All figures represent base flight pay and exclude bonuses, per diem, profit-sharing, or premium duties. Actual earnings may vary based on flight hours and position (e.g., lead, international, language-qualified).

Factors That Affect Average Flight Attendant Salary in the United States

So, how much does a Flight Attendant make a year? Here are a few factors that influence the average Flight Attendant salary in the U.S. in 2025:

Experience and Skills

Experienced Flight Attendants with greater seniority typically earn higher salaries. Most airlines have pay scales that increase with years of service, so a senior attendant can earn significantly more than a new hire. 

Additionally, specialized skills such as speaking multiple languages or having extensive safety training (e.g. medical or emergency procedure expertise) can sometimes lead to extra pay or stipends for those qualifications.

Type of Airline/Employer

The type of airline a Flight Attendant works for can greatly impact salary. Major international or legacy carriers (like Delta, United, or American Airlines) generally offer higher base pay rates compared to smaller regional or low-cost carriers. 

Flight attendants on long-haul international routes may also earn more (including higher per diems) than those working short domestic flights, due to the different pay structures and longer hours involved.

Per Diem and Additional Pay

Instead of tips or gratuities, Flight Attendants receive per diem payments to cover meals and incidental expenses while they are on duty away from their home base. 

These tax-free stipends, along with other additional pay (such as commissions on in-flight duty-free sales or bonuses for language skills), form a substantial portion of a Flight Attendant’s income. 

For example, an attendant based on international routes might accumulate significant per diem allowances during layovers, boosting their overall earnings.

Shift Hours and Scheduling

Flight Attendants who maximize their schedules can earn more. Those willing to work peak travel times, overtime hours, red-eye flights, or holidays often see higher pay due to premium rates or greater flight hours. 

Additionally, more senior attendants typically have flexibility to bid on schedules that can yield higher pay (for instance, stacking long flights or more hours in a month). 

Working more hours (within federally allowed limits) directly increases a Flight Attendant’s total pay.

Union Representation

In the airline industry, union representation is common and can strongly influence salaries. Most U.S. airline flight attendants are unionized (for example, under AFA-CWA or APFA), and their unions negotiate collective bargaining agreements that set pay scales, raises, and work rules. 

Union contracts often guarantee better pay, periodic increases, and benefits, so Flight Attendants at unionized airlines usually enjoy higher average salaries and protections than those at non-union carriers.

Local Economic Conditions

The overall economic health of a region can impact Flight Attendant pay indirectly. 

In areas with a strong economy and low unemployment, airlines may need to offer more competitive wages or hiring bonuses to attract and retain crew. 

Additionally, regions that serve as airline hubs can have competitive labor markets – if multiple airlines are hiring, they might increase pay or incentives to secure enough staff.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in a base city can influence salary considerations. Flight Attendants based in expensive cities (like San Francisco or New York) often earn higher pay or additional stipends to help with the higher living costs. 

Conversely, in areas with lower living expenses, the salaries on offer might be relatively lower. While airline pay scales are typically nationwide, sometimes higher-cost bases have more senior crews (with higher pay steps) or airlines might offer slightly higher allowances to offset local living costs.

Legal Requirements and Contracts

National labor regulations and union contracts play a significant role in Flight Attendant compensation. 

Airlines must comply with federal laws (such as FAA rules on duty limits and rest periods) and with minimum pay guarantees in union contracts. 

For example, a union contract might stipulate a minimum number of paid hours per month or include provisions like “buddy passes” or boarding pay. 

While standard minimum wage laws are less directly relevant (flight attendants generally earn well above minimum wage), industry-specific rules and negotiated agreements effectively set a floor for pay and ensure certain benefits, influencing the average salary across the field.

How To Estimate Your Take-Home Pay as a Flight Attendant?

If you work as a Flight Attendant in the United States, use our Paycheck Calculator to determine how much money you’ll take home after taxes in your state.

All you need to do is:

1. Input your salary.
2. Select your pay frequency from the dropdown menu (annual, monthly, biweekly, weekly, daily or hourly).
3. Choose your state.
4. Click the “calculate tax” button.

This will give you an estimate of your net (after-tax) pay based on current federal and state tax rates for your location.

Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Flight Attendants

In addition to their salary, Flight Attendants often receive non-monetary perks and benefits that improve job satisfaction, work-life balance, and professional development. Here are some typical benefits and perks enjoyed by Flight Attendants:

Free or Discounted Flights

One celebrated perk of being a flight attendant is the ability to fly at little to no cost. Airlines typically offer free or heavily discounted standby travel for employees and sometimes their immediate family. 

This means Flight Attendants (and their spouses, children, or eligible companions) can travel for leisure on their airline during off-duty days, only paying minimal fees or taxes. 

These travel benefits allow Flight Attendants to explore destinations worldwide without the usual price tag, which is a major draw for the profession.

Meal Allowances and Accommodations

When Flight Attendants have layovers away from home, airlines provide meal stipends and hotel accommodations. 

Crew members receive a daily meal allowance (per diem) to cover food and incidental costs while traveling. 

Hotels for overnight layovers are arranged and paid for by the airline, so Flight Attendants have a safe and comfortable place to rest between flights. 

Not having to pay for these travel expenses out-of-pocket is a significant financial benefit.

Uniform Allowance

Airlines typically provide the Flight Attendant uniform and may offer an allowance for uniform parts and upkeep. 

While new hires might pay a refundable deposit or purchase initial uniform pieces, the employer usually covers the cost of replacement uniforms, alterations, and dry-cleaning after that. 

This ensures Flight Attendants maintain a professional appearance without incurring high personal costs for their required attire.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible schedules are common in the aviation industry. Flight Attendants generally have a monthly schedule they can bid for, and with seniority, they gain more control over the routes, days off, and trip lengths they work. 

They may be able to swap trips or drop and pick up shifts, which helps in managing personal commitments. 

This flexibility can allow for a better work-life balance – for example, grouping work days together to get longer periods off for travel or family time.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Most airlines provide paid time off for Flight Attendants in the form of vacation days and sick leave. As their years of service increase, Flight Attendants earn more vacation days per year. 

They can bid for vacation periods and enjoy time away from work without losing income. 

Having PTO enables crew members to rest, recover, or go on their own vacations, which is important given the non-traditional hours they work.

Retirement Benefits

Flight Attendants typically have access to retirement savings plans such as a 401(k), often with employer matching contributions up to a certain percentage. 

In addition, some long-established airlines still offer pension plans or profit-sharing contributions to retirement accounts. 

By contributing part of their salary (and receiving company match), Flight Attendants can build a substantial retirement fund over their careers. 

These retirement benefits provide financial security for the future.

Training and Development Opportunities

Airlines invest in continuous training and professional development for their cabin crew. 

Beyond the initial intensive training Flight Attendants receive (covering safety, emergency procedures, customer service, etc.), they also attend annual or semiannual refresher training to maintain their qualifications. 

Airlines may offer workshops or programs for career advancement (for example, training to become a lead flight attendant (purser) or a cabin safety instructor). 

Gaining additional certifications and skills not only improves a Flight Attendant’s performance but can open doors to higher positions and responsibilities within the company.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Full-time Flight Attendants are usually eligible for comprehensive health insurance packages, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 

These plans help ensure crew members can take care of their health needs affordably. 

Some airlines also offer wellness programs or perks – for instance, discounted gym memberships, access to counseling services or employee assistance programs, and initiatives to support mental health (important in a job that can involve irregular sleep and travel stress). 

Keeping Flight Attendants healthy and well is in the interest of airlines, so they often provide robust health benefits.

Recognition and Rewards

Many airlines have programs to recognize and reward outstanding employee performance. 

A Flight Attendant who consistently provides excellent customer service or goes above and beyond might receive commendations, be featured in internal company newsletters, or even earn bonuses or incentives. 

For example, airlines might have an “Employee of the Month” program or give out awards for perfect attendance or exceptional safety performance. 

Such recognition not only boosts morale but can also be a stepping stone for promotion.

Career Advancement Opportunities

The Flight Attendant role itself has advancement tiers – for example, becoming a Senior Flight Attendant or Purser/Lead on flights, which often comes with a pay premium. 

With experience, Flight Attendants can also move into corporate or training roles within the airline, such as inflight supervisor, base manager, or recruiter. 

These positions typically come with higher salaries and regular work schedules. 

The skills gained as a Flight Attendant (communication, customer service, problem-solving, safety knowledge) are highly transferable, so some may even transition into other areas of the travel industry (like marketing, operations, or hospitality management). 

Airlines often prefer to promote from within, so demonstrating strong skills and teamwork can lead to upward mobility.

Social Events and Team-Building

Working as a Flight Attendant often feels like being part of a close-knit community. 

Airlines and unions frequently organize social events, team-building activities, and volunteer opportunities for crew. 

These might include holiday parties, crew appreciation days, picnics, or community service events. 

Such gatherings allow Flight Attendants to bond with colleagues outside of work, share experiences, and build camaraderie. 

A positive, family-like work culture is a valuable perk that makes the job more enjoyable.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Flight Attendants

Negotiating salary can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s an important step in landing a job that values your skills. 

Keep in mind that at major airlines, individual salary negotiation for Flight Attendants is often limited (since pay rates are usually set by union contract and based on seniority). 

However, if you’re pursuing a job at a charter airline, a corporate flight department, or discussing a sign-on bonus or other benefits, here are some tips to help you negotiate effectively:

Know Your Worth

Research the going rates for Flight Attendant positions at the airlines or companies you’re considering. 

Pay can vary depending on the type of operation – for example, big legacy airlines might have higher hourly rates, while regional carriers may start lower. 

Look up industry sources or union contracts to understand the pay scale (for instance, a first-year Flight Attendant vs. a fifth-year Flight Attendant). 

Being informed about the typical salary range for your experience level will give you confidence during negotiations.

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Emphasize any relevant experience you have that makes you a valuable hire. 

For example, if you have previous cabin crew experience with another airline, mention your years of service and any additional qualifications (like being trained on specific aircraft or having language proficiency). 

If you come from a strong customer service background (such as hospitality or nursing), point out how those skills translate to superior passenger care. 

Demonstrating your proven abilities – handling emergencies calmly, serving diverse customers, etc. – can justify a higher starting pay or extra consideration.

Look Beyond Just Salary

Compensation isn’t limited to your base pay. Be sure to discuss other benefits and work conditions that matter to you. 

For instance, if an airline can’t offer a higher wage due to a fixed scale, perhaps you can negotiate for a preferred base assignment (location), extra commute allowances, or additional paid moving expenses if relocation is required. 

You might also inquire about a hiring or retention bonus, faster frequency of pay raises, or more favorable reserve duty schedules. 

Sometimes the quality of life factors – like how quickly you can hold a better schedule or whether you get certain benefits from day one – are worth as much as a slightly higher salary.

Be Confident and Professional

When asking for any improvement in your offer, be clear and assertive about the reasons behind your request, while remaining respectful and positive. 

Show enthusiasm for the job and company, and frame your negotiation points around how you will bring value. For example, “I’m excited to bring my 5 years of international flying experience to your airline. 

Given my background, is there flexibility in starting at a higher step on the pay scale, or perhaps a sign-on bonus?” Even if the answer is no, you’ve professionally communicated that you know your value. 

Remember to listen as well – if the recruiter explains something about the offer, acknowledge it. Maintaining a friendly but determined tone can leave a good impression, and even if you can’t get a higher salary immediately, you might set the stage for quicker advancement or future opportunities.

Once hired, your earnings as a Flight Attendant will generally increase with each year of service per the contract. Negotiating might be more about initial placement or bonuses, but it never hurts to advocate for yourself diplomatically.

Top 10 Skills Needed for Flight Attendants

As mentioned above, experienced Flight Attendants who have mastered key skills tend to excel in their roles and can open doors to better opportunities (like premium routes or promotion). 

These skills are essential because they ensure safety, enhance passenger experience, and improve overall efficiency in the cabin.

Mastering the following top 10 skills will not only make you a more effective Flight Attendant, but can also make you a stronger candidate for hiring and advancement. 

Delivering exceptional service and ensuring passenger safety require a combination of interpersonal and technical abilities. Here are the top 10 skills to focus on:

1. Effective Communication

Flight Attendants must communicate clearly and confidently with passengers and crew. This includes delivering safety briefings, giving instructions during boarding and emergencies, and addressing passenger inquiries. 

Strong verbal communication ensures that passengers understand procedures (like how to buckle seatbelts or use oxygen masks), which is crucial for safety. It also helps build rapport with customers – a warm greeting and a polite, patient tone go a long way in making travelers feel at ease. 

Good communication among the cabin crew and with the pilots is equally important for coordinating tasks and handling any in-flight issues seamlessly.

2. Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is at the heart of a Flight Attendant’s job. Flight Attendants are often the face of the airline for passengers, so being friendly, patient, and responsive is crucial. 

This skill involves empathizing with passengers’ needs (for example, comforting a nervous flyer, or promptly getting a drink for a passenger who’s feeling unwell) and maintaining a positive attitude even during stressful situations. 

A strong customer service mindset leads to satisfied passengers, positive reviews for the airline, and often personal commendations. It can also affect earnings indirectly – for instance, some airlines allow bonuses or “applause” points from passengers that can translate into rewards for crew members who deliver great service.

3. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail enhances both safety and service quality on the flight. Flight Attendants must remember and follow countless procedures exactly – from performing pre-flight equipment checks to ensuring each seatbelt is fastened before takeoff. They also attend to small details that improve passenger comfort, such as noticing if someone needs a blanket or if special meal requests are delivered correctly. Meticulous attention to detail helps prevent mistakes: for example, catching that an exit row passenger doesn’t meet the criteria, or noticing an oven isn’t properly secured. Safety comes first, and being detail-oriented is essential for maintaining safety protocols. It also means fewer errors in service (like no drink spillages or wrong announcements), contributing to a smooth flight.

4. Ability to Handle Pressure

Working as a Flight Attendant can be high-pressure, especially during irregular operations (like delays or turbulence) or emergencies. The ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is critical. 

Flight Attendants often need to think on their feet and solve problems quickly – whether it’s resolving seating conflicts, dealing with an unruly passenger, or handling a medical emergency at 35,000 feet. 

Keeping calm and maintaining authority in these situations ensures passenger safety and prevents panic. 

For example, during severe turbulence or an emergency landing, passengers look to Flight Attendants for reassurance. An attendant who can project calm and give clear instructions helps everyone get through safely. 

This skill also includes conflict resolution – handling upset or anxious passengers without losing your cool.

5. Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Safety knowledge is a defining skill for Flight Attendants. They are extensively trained in emergency procedures: how to operate emergency exits, handle evacuations, fight fires onboard, and use safety equipment. 

A top-notch Flight Attendant stays current on all safety protocols and is prepared to take leadership if something goes wrong. Fortunately, emergencies are rare, but being ready for the unexpected is part of the job. 

During every flight, attendants conduct safety demonstrations and briefings, showing passengers how to stay safe. In a potential evacuation or in-flight issue, Flight Attendants must act decisively—whether it’s instructing passengers in a rapid deplaning or handling a sudden cabin depressurization. 

This skill set is critical not just for the Flight Attendant’s performance but for the survival and well-being of everyone onboard.

6. First Aid and Medical Response

Flight Attendants are often the first responders to medical situations in the air. Strong first aid skills and medical knowledge can be lifesaving. 

All Flight Attendants are trained in basic first aid and CPR, and many flights carry defibrillators and medical kits that crew are authorized to use. 

Whether it’s a passenger having a heart attack, a child with a severe allergic reaction, or someone feeling faint, Flight Attendants need to assess the situation and provide initial care swiftly. 

They also coordinate with any doctors/nurses on board and communicate with pilots (who can request medical advice from ground if needed). Demonstrating confidence in medical situations instills trust among passengers. 

Airlines value Flight Attendants who handle medical events effectively – it can reflect in performance evaluations and makes one a strong candidate for “Purser” or lead positions.

7. Time Management and Adaptability

In a dynamic environment like an aircraft cabin, time management and adaptability are key. 

Flight Attendants often have a limited window to complete tasks: for example, on a short flight they might have just 40 minutes after takeoff to finish a full beverage service and collect trash before landing prep. 

They must efficiently prioritize tasks and adjust if things change (like turbulence pausing service). Adaptability goes hand-in-hand – schedules can change daily with delays or reassignments, and crew might need to suddenly accommodate a change like a different aircraft or a new stop. 

Being able to manage time well ensures everything that needs to get done is done, from safety checks to service, without rushing or missing steps. 

Adaptability means you can handle last-minute gate changes or reroutes with calm and grace. 

Airlines notice attendants who can “roll with the punches” – they tend to be the ones entrusted with complex assignments.

8. Teamwork and Collaboration

Teamwork is vital because Flight Attendants never work alone – a crew must cooperate to make a flight successful. 

Good collaboration with fellow Flight Attendants and the cockpit crew ensures that service runs smoothly and safety duties are covered. This means communicating clearly about tasks (e.g., “Can you assist in the aft galley while I handle an issue in the cabin?”) and helping each other out. 

For example, if one attendant is busy with a passenger issue, a teammate might need to cover their demo or attend to their section temporarily. 

A strong sense of teamwork also involves maintaining a respectful, positive attitude with colleagues, even after long hours. When crew members support each other, flights are more efficient and pleasant. 

Airlines highly value crew cooperation – some even solicit feedback from crew about each other. Demonstrating you’re a team player can lead to leadership roles like Purser or Inflight Supervisor, where you coordinate the whole team.

9. Cultural Awareness and Language Skills

Flights often carry passengers from all over the world. Great Flight Attendants have high cultural awareness – they are respectful and understanding of cultural differences in communication and etiquette. 

For instance, being mindful of dietary restrictions for certain cultures or knowing when a casual tone is appropriate versus when formality is expected can greatly improve passenger comfort. 

Sensitivity to cultural norms (like personal space, gestures, or forms of address) prevents misunderstandings and shows respect. 

Additionally, multilingual abilities are a huge asset. Speaking a second (or third) language such as Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin, etc., allows a Flight Attendant to directly assist more passengers in their native tongue. 

Many airlines offer extra pay for language-qualified Flight Attendants on routes where that language is spoken. Communication barriers drop when crew can converse with passengers, especially in emergencies or when explaining important details. 

Overall, cultural savvy and language skills help create a welcoming environment for everyone on board.

Physical Stamina and Endurance

Flight Attendants need significant physical stamina to handle the demands of the job. They are on their feet for hours, walking back and forth in the aisle and standing while serving. 

They must regularly lift heavy items like carry-on bags into overhead bins (often lifting 30+ pounds above shoulder level). Long shifts are common – a duty day can be 12 hours or more, crossing time zones and leading to fatigue. 

Flight Attendants also deal with jet lag and irregular sleep schedules due to overnight flights or early sign-in times. 

Maintaining good health, energy, and a level of fitness is important to cope with these challenges. Endurance ensures they can stay alert and friendly even at the end of a long flight. 

Additionally, handling the physical stress with grace (for example, remaining steady during turbulence and securing carts or equipment quickly) is part of the safety aspect of the job. Emotional resilience pairs with physical stamina – staying patient and upbeat despite tiredness or stressful conditions.

Flight Attendants with strong endurance are less prone to injuries and burnout, and they often have better attendance and performance records.

How Much Do Similar Careers to a Flight Attendant Get Paid?

Flight Attendants in the United States earn less than Airline Pilots or Flight Engineers, but more than Baggage Handlers, Gate Agents, or Cabin Cleaners.

In other words, while a Flight Attendant’s pay is very competitive among customer service and hospitality roles (e.g., considerably higher than jobs like restaurant servers or retail workers), it does not reach the level of highly specialized aviation roles like pilots or air traffic controllers. 

This comparison highlights that being a Flight Attendant provides a solid middle-class income, especially when considering the benefits and travel perks, positioning it above many service-industry jobs in earnings.