Flight Attendant Salary in 2026
How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?
Flight Attendants earn a median annual salary of $67,130 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $34,030 at the 10th percentile to $138,040 at the 90th percentile — a range of $104,010. The highest-paying state is New York at $128,050.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,030 |
| 25th percentile | $52,280 |
| Median (50th) | $67,130 |
| 75th percentile | $98,160 |
| 90th percentile | $138,040 |
Flight Attendant Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $128,050 |
| Washington | $103,950 |
| Connecticut | $86,140 |
| California | $77,870 |
| Florida | $76,410 |
| Georgia | $76,340 |
| Massachusetts | $68,650 |
| North Carolina | $64,100 |
| Virginia | $62,280 |
| Illinois | $62,120 |
| Michigan | $61,370 |
| Colorado | $61,050 |
| Idaho | $60,480 |
| Oregon | $59,520 |
| Ohio | $57,170 |
| Texas | $57,170 |
| Minnesota | $50,740 |
| Utah | $49,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,560 |
| Nevada | $39,790 |
| Arizona | $38,130 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Flight Attendants
Flight Attendant Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$34,030 – $52,280 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$67,130 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$98,160 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $138,040+ |
How to Earn More as a Flight Attendant
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Flight Attendants in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ earn $128,050 — $60,920 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($98,160) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Flight Attendant Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendantthis career | $67,130 |
| Security Guard | $38,370 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $63,360 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker | $31,150 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendant | $34,800 |
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SOC: 53-2031.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.