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If you’re exploring career options, and the idea of seeing the world and meeting interesting people appeals to you, you may want to consider a career as a flight attendant.
One of your first questions may be, how much does a flight attendant make a year? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary is $67,130. However, that figure can change based on a number of factors, including your experience, skills, and education.
Let’s take a closer look.
Key Points
• The median flight attendant salary is approximately $67,130 per year, though this varies by airline and location.
• With experience, senior flight attendants may make around $80,287 annually, and some can earn as much as $115,000 or more per year.
• Pay is typically hourly and starts when the aircraft door closes, meaning preflight work (like boarding and prep) is often unpaid.
• Factors affecting salary include years of service, class of service (domestic vs. international), airline policies, and whether the attendant has supervisory responsibilities.
• Pros of the job include travel perks and relatively short training periods; drawbacks may include irregular hours, time away from home, and health risks associated with frequent flying.
What Are Flight Attendants?
Flight attendants are the friendly professionals who welcome you aboard, provide in-flight service, and ensure your comfort and safety throughout the flight.
Flight attendants have many responsibilities you don’t see, as well. They have to be well-versed in emergency procedures, should there be an issue on board. They interact with the pilots and create reports for each flight.
Being a flight attendant requires an outgoing personality. If that doesn’t describe you, you may want to explore jobs for introverts.
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How Much Do Starting Flight Attendants Make?
Compared to other jobs, flight attendants can make a good entry-level salary. For a flight attendant with less than one year of experience, the starting salary is about $47,079 per year. This will, of course, depend on the airline that hires you and where you live.
Something else to consider: Compared to other jobs, training to become a flight attendant is relatively quick. Some programs are about six weeks long; after that, you’re ready to take to the skies.
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What Is the Average Salary for a Flight Attendant?
The salary for a flight attendant just starting out is fairly high compared to some other jobs. But how much does a flight attendant make an hour? And just how much more could they earn with more experience under their belt?
It first helps to understand the difference between salary vs. hourly pay. Many flight attendants are paid by the hour, and the clock typically starts when the aircraft door is closed. That means that the period they spend greeting travelers and getting them settled is unpaid work.
While flight attendants don’t generally get overtime pay, they can earn extra money by working more hours or during holidays. Experience can play a role as well. The average hourly salary for a senior flight attendant is around $38.60 (or $80,287 per year), though some can earn as much as $80-90 per hour with experience.
No matter what your take-home pay is, online tools like a money tracker app can help you create budgets and keep tabs on your finances.
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What Is the Average Flight Attendant Salary by State for 2025
Curious about how much a flight attendant makes per year where you live? Here are annual mean flight attendant salaries for some of the U.S. states.
And if you’re interested in exploring other jobs, check out the highest-paying jobs by state.
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $52,900 |
| California | $84,060 |
| Colorado | $62,650 |
| Connecticut | $99,970 |
| Florida | $77,460 |
| Georgia | $79,480 |
| Idaho | $83,070 |
| Illinois | $71,670 |
| Massachusetts | $68,390 |
| Michigan | $80,240 |
| Minnesota | $56,870 |
| Nevada | $48,960 |
| New York | $117,580 |
| North Carolina | $73,420 |
| Ohio | $59,570 |
| Oregon | $72,620 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,760 |
| Texas | $54,750 |
| Utah | $60,450 |
| Virginia | $79,110 |
| Washington | $103,150 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Flight Attendant Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
As you can see based on the mean wages in various states, flight attendant salaries can range from $48,000 to $117,000+. When you’re just starting out, though, you’ll likely make much less. And depending on where you live and the duties and responsibilities you have as a flight attendant, your salary will vary.
Other factors that will impact how much you make include whether or not you have people who report to you, how long you’ve been working, and where you fly. Working international flights might also pay more than domestic flights.
Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Flight Attendant Salary
Now that you know how much flight attendants make, let’s weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of the job.
Pros
For many people, the salary a flight attendant can make is impressive. And given that it doesn’t take years of study and hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loans to become a flight attendant, the barrier to entry is lower.
Unless you’re looking for a work-at-home job for retirees, another perk of being a flight attendant is that you’ll get the opportunity to travel around the country or even the world.
Cons
Like any job, there are drawbacks to working as a flight attendant. For starters, you are likely to be paid hourly, and you might not get compensated for any work you do before the doors of the plane close.
While flying around the world sounds glamorous, many flight attendants tire of the long hours in the skies. There are potential health risks of frequent air travel to consider as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), air travel exposes you to cosmic ionizing radiation, which could impact your reproductive health. Plus, jet lag can make it difficult to keep a regular sleeping schedule.
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The Takeaway
Flight attendants have the opportunity to make good money, see other parts of the country or world, and typically only need a few weeks of training to start working. If you’re outgoing, enjoy working with people, and love to travel, becoming a flight attendant could be a good fit.
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FAQ
What is the highest paying flight attendant job?
While salaries vary depending on experience and location, on the high end, flight attendants can earn up to $93.31 per hour as of 2025 with Southwest Airlines (this is after 13+ years of experience).
Is being a flight attendant a healthy job?
Constantly being on their feet and being quick to respond to travelers’ requests keeps many flight attendants in good shape. However, there are potential health risks to consider. Jet lag could disrupt circadian rhythms, and being in the air gives exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation, which could impact reproductive health, according to the CDC.
How much do flight attendants make starting out?
While starting salaries can vary depending on location, airline, and responsibilities, the nationwide starting salary for flight attendants is $23 per hour, or $47,079 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Photo credit: iStock/Adene Sanchez
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