Flight attendant salary in the USA can vary widely depending on the airline, experience, and hours worked. While many assume flight attendants make high pay with free travel perks, the reality is more complex. Starting salaries are often low, but with experience and seniority, flight attendants in the USA can earn competitive pay, especially at major airlines.
Quick summary
Flight attendant salary in the USA starts at around $37,000 per year, with experienced crew earning $80,000+, depending on the airline. Pay is based on flight hours, so time spent boarding, during delays, or between flights is mostly unpaid, making first-year salaries $25,000–$35,000 before taxes. Major airlines like Delta, United, and American offer the highest pay, while regional and low-cost carriers pay less, though earnings increase with seniority, overtime, and international routes.
How Much Do Flight Attendants Make in the USA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average flight attendant salary is about $61,640 per year. Entry-level salaries start at around $37,000, while the most experienced attendants can earn between $80,000 and $100,000. These numbers don’t tell the full story because flight attendants are paid differently from most jobs.
Flight attendants are paid per flight hour, meaning the clock starts when the aircraft door closes and stops when it opens. Time spent during boarding, delays, and layovers is mostly unpaid. Monthly guaranteed hours vary by airline, usually between 75 and 80 hours, which affects how much a flight attendant takes home.
Do Flight Attendants Get Paid Well?
For new hires, the first year can be financially tough. First-year pay ranges between $25,000 and $35,000 before taxes, with many relying on crash pads or side jobs to get by. However, earnings increase with experience. After five years, salaries can reach $60,000 or more, and senior flight attendants at major airlines can exceed $80,000, especially with international routes, overtime, or language bonuses.
Which Airlines Pay Flight Attendants the Most?
Pay varies by airline. Major U.S. carriers like Delta, American, and United offer some of the highest salaries, with starting pay between $22 and $25 per hour and maximum pay above $50 per hour after several years. Southwest and Alaska Airlines also offer competitive pay and benefits.
Regional airlines, which operate shorter domestic flights, typically pay less. Entry-level hourly rates range from $16 to $21, and even experienced flight attendants often earn under $45,000 per year. Many regional flight attendants use these jobs as stepping stones to larger airlines.
Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier pay slightly more than regionals, but schedules can be unpredictable. Some flight attendants prefer these airlines for faster career progression.
Private jet flight attendants earn the most, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $130,000. These jobs require more experience, specialised training, and often involve long, on-call hours.
How Much Do Flight Attendants Make Per Month?
Monthly earnings fluctuate based on flight hours, schedules, and per diems. A flight attendant making $22 per hour with 80 guaranteed hours earns about $1,760 before taxes. Additional flights, international routes, and overtime can push earnings higher.
Most airlines offer a small per diem for meals and expenses while traveling, usually between $2 and $3 per hour. This helps but doesn’t fully cover costs in expensive cities.
Do Flight Attendants Get Free Flights?
Flight attendants receive free standby travel, meaning they can fly for free or at a reduced cost when seats are available. However, standby travel is not guaranteed, and securing a seat on popular routes can be difficult. Hotels, meals, and other expenses are out-of-pocket.
Is Flight Attendant Pay Worth It?
For those who love traveling and don’t mind irregular schedules, the job offers long-term financial growth. Pay improves with seniority, and top earners can make six figures with the right airline. The early years can be challenging, but for many, the lifestyle and benefits make it worthwhile.
Flight attendant salaries in the U.S. aren’t as high as some expect, but with experience, the job can become more financially stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do flight attendants make in the USA?
Salaries range from $37,000 for new hires to $80,000+ for experienced crew, with an average of $61,640 per year. Pay depends on the airline, flight hours, and extra earnings like language bonuses.
Do flight attendants get paid well?
First-year flight attendants earn $25,000–$35,000, which can be difficult due to unpaid time between flights. Senior crew at major airlines can make $80,000+, especially with overtime and international routes.
How much do flight attendants make per month?
A first-year flight attendant flying 75 hours at $22 per hour earns about $1,650 before taxes. Senior crew flying 100+ hours can take home $4,000–$7,000, depending on airline and schedule.
Which airlines pay flight attendants the most?
Delta, United, and American offer the highest salaries, with hourly pay reaching $50+ for experienced crew. Regional and low-cost airlines pay less, while private jet attendants earn $60,000–$130,000 per year.
Do flight attendants get paid during boarding?
Most airlines only pay for time in the air, meaning boarding, delays, and airport wait times are unpaid. Delta recently introduced boarding pay, but it’s not industry standard.
Do flight attendants get free flights?
They fly standby for free or at a discount, but seats are not guaranteed, especially on busy routes. Hotels and meals are not covered.
Is being a flight attendant worth it?
First-year pay is low, and the job has unpredictable hours. But with seniority, overtime, and international routes, salaries improve, making it a stable career long-term.