Flight Attendants

Median annual earnings of all flight attendants were $68,370 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The middle 50 percent earned between $49,690 and $86,610. Salaries ranged from less than $39,580 for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $104,100 for the highest paid 10 percent. Wage and work schedule requirements are established by union contract.

Flight attendants are limited to a specific number of flying hours. In general, they work approximately 75 to 90 hours of scheduled flying time and an additional 50 hours of ground duties each month. They receive extra compensation for overtime and night flights. Flight attendants on international flights customarily earn higher salaries than those on domestic flights. Most airlines give periodic salary increases until a maximum pay ceiling is reached. Flight assignments are often based on seniority, with the most senior flight attendants having their choice of flight times and destinations.

Airlines usually pay flight attendants in training either living expenses or a training salary. Companies usually pay flight attendants' expenses such as food, ground transportation, and overnight accommodations while they are on duty or away from home base. Some airlines may require first-year flight attendants to purchase their own uniforms and accessories, but most companies supply them.

Fringe benefits include paid sick leave and vacation time, free or reduced air travel rates for attendants and their families, and, in some cases, group hospitalization and life insurance plans and retirement benefits.