Flight Attendant Salary

The average flight attendant salary in the United States is pegged at USD 51,000 p.a. However the actual earning capacity of a flight attendant varies by airline and experience and other incentive pays such as International pay, lead flight attendant and purser pay, flex pay, overtime pay among others which are not included in pay calculations. If you include the incentive pays, additional flying and per diem, a flight attendant’s annual income would increase by as much as USD 8,000 p.a. in some cases. Free air travel benefits for the attendant and his or her immediate family, travel discounts, hotels and cruise companies discounts are other perks for the flight attendant.

The highest pay in the first year according to a survey of the ten highest paying airlines was approximately USD 18000 p.a. offered by American Airlines, Northwest, World Airlines and US Airways, followed by airlines offering the USD 17,000 p.a. range for beginners such as Delta and United. The airlines offering USD 16, 000 p.a. range for beginners were Continental, Midwest Express, AirTran Airlines and TWA which brought up the rear in the top ten. The highest flight attendant salary rankings for those with over 15 years experience were in the USD 44,000 p.a. range from Delta Airlines, followed by American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska, Northwest and Continental which were in the USD 40,000 p.a. range. US Airways, United, Aloha and Continental Micronesia were in the USD 36,000 p.a. range. Now, that gives you a fair idea of which airline pays what.

As a flight attendant you would attend to airplane passengers to ensure their safety on the aircraft, serve beverages, food, and ensure passenger comfort. To become a flight attendant you must possess an associate's degree or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Before picking the airline to work for, conduct research for different flight attendant salaries, schedules and benefits among several airlines. Be prepared for frequent assignments away from your home base. Choose medical benefits package and other benefits carefully. Remember that you receive extra pay if you travel at night or on international flights. For all these perks there is one negative though – you are likely to be called upon to work on some major holidays.

Happy flying!