Considering a career as a flight attendant and curious about the salary expectations? Flight attendants play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and comfort while traveling by air. This article breaks down the average flight attendant salary, exploring different factors that can influence earnings, based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2023.
National Average Flight Attendant Salary
According to the BLS data from May 2023, the estimated national average annual wage for flight attendants is $70,980. This translates to an average hourly wage that is not disclosed to protect individual privacy, but can be reverse-calculated to approximately $34.12 per hour assuming a full-time work year (2,080 hours).
It’s important to note that this is an average figure. Flight attendant salaries can vary significantly based on experience, airline, location, and other factors. To understand the range of potential earnings, let’s look at the percentile wage estimates:
- 10th Percentile: $39,580 annually
- 25th Percentile: $49,690 annually
- 50th Percentile (Median): $68,370 annually
- 75th Percentile: $86,610 annually
- 90th Percentile: $104,100 annually
This percentile breakdown reveals that half of flight attendants earned less than $68,370 per year, while the other half earned more. The top 10% of earners made over $104,100 annually, indicating a potential for higher salaries with experience and seniority.
Flight Attendant Salary by Industry
The industry you work in as a flight attendant also impacts your earning potential. The BLS data highlights the industries with the highest employment and wages for flight attendants:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of Industry Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Air Transportation | 122,080 | 25.52 | $71,000 |
| Nonscheduled Air Transportation | 1,770 | 3.04 | $78,690 |
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | 570 | 0.23 | $68,650 |
As you can see, Scheduled Air Transportation (major airlines) employs the vast majority of flight attendants and offers an average annual wage of around $71,000. However, Nonscheduled Air Transportation (charter flights, private jets) tends to offer a higher average annual wage, at nearly $78,690.
Flight Attendant Salary by State
Geographic location plays a significant role in determining flight attendant pay. States with major airport hubs or a higher cost of living often see higher salaries. Here are the top 5 states with the highest employment levels for flight attendants:
| State | Employment | Employment per Thousand Jobs | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 15,360 | 0.86 | $84,540 |
| Florida | 13,500 | 1.41 | $76,130 |
| Texas | 13,430 | 0.99 | $61,320 |
| Illinois | 10,080 | 1.68 | $67,990 |
| New York | 9,760 | 1.04 | $74,600 |
While California has the highest employment level and a high annual mean wage of $84,540, other states like Connecticut and Washington actually top the list as the highest paying states for flight attendants:
| State | Employment | Employment per Thousand Jobs | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 120 | 0.07 | $111,430 |
| Washington | (Estimate not released) | (Estimate not released) | $98,930 |
| California | 15,360 | 0.86 | $84,540 |
| Florida | 13,500 | 1.41 | $76,130 |
| Arizona | 3,370 | 1.08 | $75,500 |
The significantly higher wages in Connecticut and Washington, despite lower employment, could be due to factors such as cost of living adjustments or specific airline pay scales in those regions.
Flight Attendant Salary by Metropolitan Area
Salaries can also differ significantly between metropolitan areas. Cities with major international airports and higher living costs often offer more competitive flight attendant salaries. Here are metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels:
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Employment per Thousand Jobs | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 14,550 | 1.53 | $68,430 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 10,030 | 2.23 | $68,100 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 9,820 | 1.59 | $80,400 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 8,920 | 3.28 | $75,860 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 8,390 | 2.12 | $63,350 |
However, the top paying metropolitan areas for flight attendants are:
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Employment per Thousand Jobs | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | (Estimate not released) | (Estimate not released) | $99,440 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 4,560 | 1.88 | $92,280 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 710 | 0.46 | $91,420 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 320 | 0.23 | $83,660 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 9,820 | 1.59 | $80,400 |
Seattle and San Francisco stand out as the highest paying metropolitan areas, exceeding $90,000 in annual mean wage. This reflects the higher cost of living and potentially more competitive airline markets in these regions.
Factors Influencing Flight Attendant Salary
Beyond industry and location, several other factors can affect how much a flight attendant makes:
- Experience and Seniority: Like many professions, flight attendant salaries typically increase with experience. Seniority within an airline often leads to higher pay scales and better benefits.
- Airline Size and Type: Major airlines generally offer higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits packages compared to regional or budget airlines.
- Flight Hours and Overtime: Flight attendants are often paid based on flight hours. Taking on more flights or overtime can increase earnings.
- Unionization: Many flight attendants are members of unions, which collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union contracts often standardize pay scales and provide for regular pay increases.
- Education and Language Skills: While not always mandatory, having a college degree or proficiency in multiple languages can be advantageous and potentially lead to better opportunities or specialized flight assignments which may come with additional compensation.
- Benefits Packages: In addition to base salary, flight attendant compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and flight benefits (free or discounted travel for themselves and family). The value of these benefits should be considered when evaluating overall compensation.
Conclusion: Flight Attendant Salary in Perspective
The average flight attendant salary in the United States is a competitive and livable wage, with a national average around $70,980 per year as of May 2023. However, actual earnings can vary widely based on numerous factors. Aspiring flight attendants should research specific airlines, locations, and consider gaining experience to maximize their earning potential in this rewarding career.
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023.
