Cabin crew salaries vary widely depending on location, airline, and benefits. If you’re looking for the highest paying cabin crew countries, some offer high base salaries, while others provide tax-free income, free housing, and generous perks. If you’re looking for the best-paying countries, here’s where flight attendants earn the most in 2025.
Quick summary
Switzerland, the UAE, and Qatar offer the highest cabin crew salaries in 2025, with tax-free income and full benefits making the Gulf countries especially attractive. The UK, Australia, and Norway provide strong pay, but high living costs impact savings. Choosing the best country depends on salary, perks, and expenses, with some locations offering better overall take-home pay.
1. Switzerland: The Highest Salaries in Europe
Swiss airlines offer some of the best salaries for cabin crew. The average total pay is CHF 49,596 (USD 54,909) per year, with a base salary of CHF 41,400 (USD 45,835). Bonuses and other incentives can add another CHF 8,196 (USD 9,074). While pay is high, living costs in Zurich and Geneva are expensive, so take-home savings may not be as big as they seem.
2. United Arab Emirates: Tax-Free Income and Luxury Perks
Cabin crew in the UAE earn between AED 162,000 (USD 44,105) and AED 240,000 (USD 65,341) per year. The biggest advantage is that salaries are tax-free. Airlines like Emirates and Etihad also provide free accommodation, transport, and generous allowances, making it one of the best places for maximising earnings.
3. Qatar: High Salaries with Full Benefits
Qatar Airways pays cabin crew an average of QAR 145,200 (USD 39,879) per year. Additional allowances and bonuses can push total earnings to over QAR 235,200 (USD 64,597). Free housing and transport are included, reducing expenses and increasing take-home pay.
4. United Kingdom: Competitive Pay with High Taxes
UK airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer salaries between £39,000 (USD 49,331) and £52,000 (USD 65,774) per year. The national average is around £44,650 (USD 56,477). Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and travel discounts. The downside is that high taxes and the cost of living in London can cut into overall earnings.
5. Australia: Strong Salaries and Travel Perks
Flight attendants in Australia earn between USD 50,000 and USD 60,000 per year. Airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia offer good benefits, including superannuation, discounted flights, and generous layover allowances.
6. Norway: High Pay but High Costs
Norwegian Air Shuttle pays cabin crew an average of USD 48,000 per year, with some earning up to USD 63,000. While the salary is good, Norway is one of the most expensive places to live, which affects overall savings.
7. Canada: Stable Pay and Good Benefits
Cabin crew in Canada earn around USD 40,015 per year. Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet offer benefits like health and dental insurance, retirement plans, and strong travel perks. The salary is not the highest, but the overall benefits package makes up for it.
8. United States: Big Pay Differences by Airline
Entry-level flight attendants in the U.S. start at USD 25,763, while senior crew members can earn up to USD 60,191. The national average is USD 39,379 per year. Major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United offer strong benefits, including medical coverage and generous travel discounts.
9. Germany: Strong Base Salaries and Benefits
Lufthansa pays flight attendants between €22,000 (USD 23,585) and €36,000 (USD 38,593) per year. The average salary is around €26,000 (USD 27,873), with bonuses adding to total earnings. Benefits include health insurance, pension plans, and generous travel perks.
10. Hong Kong: Competitive Pay with Extra Perks
Cathay Pacific offers salaries ranging from HKD 115,000 (USD 14,726) to HKD 264,000 (USD 33,806) per year. The base salary is around HKD 144,000 (USD 18,440), with bonuses, commissions, and stock options providing extra earnings.
Is a High Salary Everything?
A high salary doesn’t always mean more savings. Some countries have high living costs, while others offer tax-free income or free housing. When considering a move, it’s important to look at the full package—salary, benefits, taxes, and living expenses—to see where you’ll get the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country pays the highest salary for cabin crew?
Switzerland offers the highest base salaries, but the UAE and Qatar provide tax-free income, free housing, and travel perks, making them more profitable overall.
Is it better to work in Switzerland or the UAE as a flight attendant?
Switzerland pays more, but the cost of living is high. The UAE offers tax-free salaries, free accommodation, and better savings potential.
Do airlines provide free housing for cabin crew?
Some do. Airlines in the UAE, Qatar, and some parts of Asia offer free or subsidised housing, while most European and North American airlines do not.
Which airline pays the most for cabin crew?
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Swiss Air offer some of the best salaries and benefits, depending on location and experience level.
Are cabin crew salaries taxed?
It depends on the country. Salaries in the UAE and Qatar are tax-free, while countries like Switzerland, the UK, and Australia deduct taxes from earnings.