Flight Attendant Salary in USA 2025
Per diem, benefits, and airline comparison
Flight Attendant Salary Range
How Much Do Flight Attendants Earn in 2025?
Flight attendants ensure passenger safety and comfort on commercial flights. They perform safety demonstrations, serve food and beverages, handle emergencies, and provide customer service at 35,000 feet. The role offers unique lifestyle benefits including travel privileges and flexible scheduling.
2025 flight attendant salaries reflect industry recovery and new contracts: BLS reports median of $63,760, with starting pay at $35,000–$50,000 and senior flight attendants earning $70,000–$100,000+. Per diem payments add $8,000–$15,000 annually to total compensation.
Compensation varies significantly by airline and seniority. Major airlines (Delta, United, American) pay more than regional carriers. International routes and premium cabin positions offer additional pay. Recent contract negotiations have improved wages across the industry. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Flight Attendant Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BLS Median | $63,760 |
| Entry-Level (Year 1) | $35,000–$50,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–7 yrs) | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Senior (10+ yrs) | $70,000–$100,000+ |
| Per Diem (Annual) | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $25–$65/flight hour |
Use our salary calculator for conversions.
Flight Attendant Pay Structure Explained
Flight Hour Pay
Flight attendants are paid per "flight hour"—time from door close to door open. Typical monthly guarantee: 70–85 flight hours. Many work more. Rates range from $25/hr (new hire, regional) to $65+/hr (senior, major airline).
Per Diem
Domestic: $2.00–$2.20/hour away from base
International: $2.50–$2.70/hour away from base
Per diem is paid for all time away from base, not just flight hours. A 3-day trip might include 15 flight hours but 60+ hours of per diem time. Annual per diem typically adds $8,000–$15,000 to compensation—and it's tax-free.
Total Compensation Example
Base pay: 80 flight hours × $45/hr × 12 months = $43,200
Per diem: ~$1,000/month × 12 = $12,000 (tax-free)
Total: $55,200+ (effective value higher due to tax-free per diem)
Flight Attendant Salary by Airline
| Airline | Starting Hourly | Top Rate (12+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | $36–$40/hr | $65–$70/hr |
| United | $35–$39/hr | $63–$68/hr |
| American | $33–$37/hr | $60–$65/hr |
| Southwest | $30–$34/hr | $55–$60/hr |
| JetBlue | $28–$32/hr | $50–$55/hr |
| Regional Carriers | $22–$28/hr | $40–$48/hr |
Major Airlines (Highest Pay)
Delta, United, American: Starting $33–$40/hr, top rate $60–$70/hr
Best pay, benefits, and international routes. Highly competitive hiring—thousands apply for limited positions. Senior flight attendants earn $70K–$100K+ with per diem.
Regional Airlines
Envoy, SkyWest, Republic: Starting $22–$28/hr
Lower pay but good entry point to the industry. Many use regional experience to build seniority before moving to mainline carriers.
Flight Attendant Salary by Seniority
| Years | Hourly Rate | Annual (w/ Per Diem) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $28–$38 | $35K–$50K |
| Years 2–3 | $32–$42 | $42K–$55K |
| Years 4–6 | $38–$48 | $50K–$65K |
| Years 7–10 | $45–$55 | $60K–$75K |
| Years 10–15 | $52–$62 | $70K–$85K |
| Years 15+ | $58–$70 | $80K–$100K+ |
Seniority Benefits
Beyond pay, seniority determines schedule quality, route selection, and vacation timing. Junior flight attendants often work undesirable schedules and standby/reserve. Senior crew members choose their trips and have holidays off.
International Flight Attendant Salary
| Route Type | Premium | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Baseline | Standard per diem |
| International | +$2–$5/hr | Higher per diem, layovers |
| Premium Cabin | +$2–$4/hr | First/business class |
| Purser/Lead | +$3–$6/hr | Leadership position |
International Routes
International flying pays more through higher hourly rates and international per diem ($2.50–$2.70/hr vs domestic $2.00–$2.20). Longer layovers in foreign cities. Requires seniority to hold international positions at most airlines.
Flight Attendant Benefits and Perks
Travel Benefits
Free/Reduced Flights: Unlimited standby travel on your airline and interline agreements with others. Family members included. Most valuable non-cash benefit.
Buddy Passes: Discounted passes for friends.
Standard Benefits
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision
Retirement: 401(k) with company match, pension (some airlines)
Profit Sharing: Delta, Southwest known for generous profit sharing
Lifestyle Benefits
Flexible Schedule: Trade trips, pick up extra, or drop trips
Time Off: Extended periods off between trips possible
Hotel/Meals: Provided during layovers
How to Increase Your Flight Attendant Salary
Get Hired at Major Airline
Major carriers pay $35K–$100K+ versus regional $25K–$55K. Highly competitive but worth pursuing.
Build Seniority
Pay increases automatically with years of service. Top rates require 12–15 years.
Work International Routes
International pays $2–$5/hr more plus higher per diem. Requires seniority to hold.
Become Purser/Lead
Lead flight attendant positions pay $3–$6/hr premium.
Pick Up Extra Flying
Senior crew can pick up additional trips. Flying 100+ hours/month significantly increases annual earnings.
Work Premium Cabin
First/business class positions at some airlines pay premiums.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Regional FA | $25K–$40K |
| Mainline Entry | Major Airline FA | $35K–$50K |
| Mid-Career | Senior FA | $55K–$75K |
| Leadership | Purser/Lead FA | $65K–$90K |
| Management | Inflight Supervisor | $70K–$100K |
Related Roles
Commercial Pilot: $100,000–$400,000+
Airport Customer Service: $35,000–$55,000
Corporate Flight Attendant: $60,000–$100,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average flight attendant salary in 2025?
BLS reports median $63,760. Entry-level earns $35K–$50K, mid-career $50K–$70K, and senior flight attendants $70K–$100K+. Per diem adds $8K–$15K (tax-free). Major airlines pay more than regional carriers.
How much is flight attendant per diem?
Domestic per diem: $2.00–$2.20/hr away from base. International: $2.50–$2.70/hr. Paid for all hours away from base, not just flight time. Typically adds $8,000–$15,000 annually—and it's tax-free.
Can flight attendants make $80K or more?
Yes. Senior flight attendants (10+ years) at major airlines earn $70K–$100K+ with per diem. International pursers and those flying maximum hours can exceed $100K. Regional carriers pay less—majors are key to higher earnings.
Is flight attendant a good career?
Good for those valuing travel, flexibility, and variety. Benefits: free travel, unique experiences, flexible schedule. Trade-offs: irregular schedule, time away from home, starting pay modest, junior seniority challenging. Best for adventure-oriented people without strong location ties.
How long is flight attendant training?
Initial training: 6–8 weeks at airline's training center. Unpaid or minimal stipend during training. Must pass FAA certification. Ongoing recurrent training annually. No prior experience or degree required—airlines train from scratch.