If you’re considering a career as a flight attendant in the United States, one of the important factors to consider is your potential salary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for flight attendants in the United States is $63,760 as of May 2022. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as job position, experience level, and geographic location.
We’ll explore the approximate salary ranges for flight attendants at various major airlines in the USA so that you can get a better understanding of what you can expect to earn in this exciting and dynamic field.
Aside from the salary, flight attendants also typically receive benefits such as health insurance, vacation time, and discounts on airfare. Flight attendants also get to travel the world and experience different cultures, which can be a great perk for those who enjoy exploring new places.
Contents
- Average Salary of Flight Attendants / Cabin Crew in the United States
- Demographics of flight attendants in the USA
- Factors that affect the salary of Cabin Crew
- Comparison of salaries among major airlines in the USA
- Salary differences between Domestic and International flights
- Benefits and Perks
- Training and education requirements
- Job Outlook and future prospects FAs in USA
- Challenges and opportunities for flight attendants in United States
- Video: How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What Is the Average Salary for Flight Attendants in the USA?
- 2. Are There Benefits or Perks That Come With Being a Flight Attendant?
- 3. What Education or Training is Required to Become a Flight Attendant?
- 4. What Type of Job Outlook Can I Expect as a Flight Attendant?
- 5. What Challenges or Opportunities Can I Expect as a Flight Attendant?
- 6. Are There Any Other Resources I Can Use to Learn More?
- Summary
Average Salary of Flight Attendants / Cabin Crew in the United States
If you’re wondering how much flight attendants make, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for flight attendants in the USA was $63,760 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent of earners made a median wage of $37,690 or less per year while the top 10 percent earned an average salary of $97,170 per year.
So this gives you a better insight into what to expect when looking for a cabin crew position.
Demographics of flight attendants in the USA
According to a survey by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, there were approximately 120,000 flight attendants working for US airlines in 2019. The majority of flight attendants are women (80%), and the median age is 46 years old. About 26% of flight attendants identify as people of color, and about 5% identify as LGBTQ+.
Factors that affect the salary of Cabin Crew
The salary of flight attendants can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The number of Flying Hours – because schedules vary per flight attendant, the number of flying hours can affect their salary. The more flying hours a flight attendant has, the higher their salary will be.
- Experience: Flight attendants with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Seniority: Airlines often have a seniority system that rewards long-serving flight attendants with higher pay and better benefits.
- Union representation: Some airlines are unionized, which can provide flight attendants with better pay, benefits, and job security.
- Geographical location: Salaries can vary by region due to differences in living costs and market demand for flight attendants.
Comparison of salaries among major airlines in the USA
Salaries for flight attendants can vary significantly among different airlines. Here are some examples of average annual salaries for flight attendants at major airlines in the USA: Take note that this range is an estimate only, as individual salaries vary depending on factors such as experience and job position.
Sure, here are the salary ranges for flight attendants at each major airline in the USA, with the addition of the phrase “Flight Attendant Salary” after each airline name:
- United Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $33,000 – $66,000 per year
- American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $35,000 – $65,000 per year
- Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Salary: $28,000 – $86,000 per year
- Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $43,000 – $75,000 per year
- Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $53,000 – $93,000 per year
- JetBlue Airways Flight Attendant Salary: $52,000 – $72,000 per year
- Spirit Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $37,000 – $65,000 per year
- Frontier Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $43,000 – $63,000 per year
- Allegiant Air Flight Attendant Salary: $31,000 – $60,000 per year
- Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
- Sun Country Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $29,000 – $62,000 per year
- SkyWest Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $27,000 – $56,000 per year
- Mesa Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $25,000 – $48,000 per year
- Republic Airways Flight Attendant Salary: $32,000 – $66,000 per year
- CommutAir Flight Attendant Salary: $23,000 – $52,000 per year
- Piedmont Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $30,000 – $52,000 per year
- Envoy Air Flight Attendant Salary: $28,000 – $51,000 per year
- GoJet Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $28,000 – $56,000 per year
- Endeavor Air Flight Attendant Salary: $28,000 – $54,000 per year
- PSA Airlines Flight Attendant Salary: $26,000 – $53,000 per year
Be advised that the above data may change from time to time and vary according to the airline, so it’s important to do your own research and wait for the cabin crew contract so you can calculate the salary accurately.
Overall, flight attendants can expect to earn a competitive salary in this rewarding field, with the potential to make even more depending on experience level and location. In addition to monetary compensation, flight attendants also get the unique opportunity to travel the globe, meet new people, and explore diverse cultures. These opportunities make flight attendant jobs even more attractive to potential applicants.
Salary differences between Domestic and International flights
One factor that can affect the salary of flight attendants is the type of flights they work on. Domestic flights within the USA typically have shorter durations and fewer amenities compared to international flights, which can impact the workload and compensation.
So if you are looking for a job with better pay and conditions, then an international flight attendant position might be the right choice for you.
Benefits and Perks
In addition to salary, flight attendants may receive other benefits and perks such as:
- Health insurance
- Life Insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Discounts on travel and accommodation
- Flexible schedules
- Opportunities for career advancement
It is important to note that the availability and extent of these benefits can vary among airlines and job positions.
Training and education requirements
To become a flight attendant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some airlines prefer or require a college degree.
They also need to complete a training program that covers topics such as safety procedures, emergency response, customer service, and first aid. The length and intensity of the training can vary depending on the airline.
Job Outlook and future prospects FAs in USA
The BLS projects that employment of flight attendants in the USA will decline by 21% from 2019 to 2029 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. However, the demand for air travel is expected to recover in the long term, which could lead to new job opportunities for flight attendants.
Challenges and opportunities for flight attendants in United States
Flight attendants face several challenges and opportunities in their careers, such as:
- Long and irregular working hours
- Exposure to health and safety risks
- Dealing with difficult or unruly passengers
- Opportunities to travel and see new places
- Opportunities for career advancement and specialization
The airline industry is constantly evolving, which can provide flight attendants with new work challenges and advancements in the future.
Video: How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?
Check out this video by Kelly aka The Awkward Flight Attendant as she shares details about the compensation of flight attendants. Kelly has been an air hostess since 2014 so she gives you an idea about the USA salary of crew from her perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Average Salary for Flight Attendants in the USA?
The average salary for flight attendants in the USA is around 63,000 USD per year. However, salaries vary depending on the airline and experience level.
2. Are There Benefits or Perks That Come With Being a Flight Attendant?
Yes, many airlines offer benefits and perks to their flight attendants. These can include health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, discounts on travel and accommodation, flexible schedules, and opportunities for career advancement.
3. What Education or Training is Required to Become a Flight Attendant?
To become a flight attendant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some airlines also prefer or require a college degree. Additionally, all flight attendants must successfully complete a training program that covers topics such as safety procedures, emergency response, customer service and first aid. Check out flight attendant schools here.
4. What Type of Job Outlook Can I Expect as a Flight Attendant?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of flight attendants in the USA will decline by 21% from 2019 to 2029 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. However, the demand for air travel is expected to recover in the long term which could lead to new job opportunities for flight attendants.
5. What Challenges or Opportunities Can I Expect as a Flight Attendant?
As a flight attendant, you can expect long hours with irregular schedules as well as exposure to health and safety risks when dealing with passengers. You also have opportunities to expand your knowledge of different cultures through travel while enjoying potential career advancement opportunities with specialization in certain areas such as international flights or customer service-related roles.
6. Are There Any Other Resources I Can Use to Learn More?
Yes, there are plenty of online resources available for those interested in learning more about the flight attendant profession. Check out the Flight Attendants Association International website for more information and resources related to becoming a flight attendant.
Summary
Flight attendants in the United States of America are responsible for making sure passengers have a comfortable and safe experience during their travels. The average salary for flight attendants in the USA is around 63,000 USD per year, although this figure can vary depending on the airline and experience level.
In conclusion, becoming a flight attendant can provide you with a unique opportunity to travel and see new places while honing your customer service skills. Salary is competitive and there are numerous benefits and opportunities for career advancement and specialization. It is important to do your research when selecting an airline, as each may offer different salaries and perks.