Flight Attendant

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

• Median pay
  $63,580
  Annual salary · May 2025
• Job growth
  +8.8%
  2025–35, much faster than average
• Openings per year
  18,500
  Average, 2025–35
• Typical entry education
  High school diploma or equivalent
  BLS classification
• Time to train
  3–8 weeks of airline training
  Typical program length
• U.S. jobs
  133,700
  Employment, 2025

What flight attendants do

Flight attendants are on board first and foremost for safety. They check emergency equipment, brief passengers, secure the cabin for takeoff and landing, respond to medical emergencies and turbulence, and lead evacuations if needed. They also serve meals and drinks, help passengers with special needs and handle conflicts calmly.

Airlines train new flight attendants for several weeks, and graduates receive an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. Hiring is competitive. New flight attendants usually start on reserve schedules at assigned bases, and seniority determines routes, schedules and time off.

Typical duties

• Check emergency equipment before flights
• Brief passengers on safety procedures
• Secure the cabin for takeoff and landing
• Serve food and beverages
• Respond to medical emergencies and safety incidents
• Help passengers with disabilities and special needs
• Lead evacuations and emergency procedures if required

Work environment and schedule

Flight attendants work in aircraft cabins, airports and hotels away from home. The job involves standing, pushing carts, lifting bags and working in tight spaces with changing time zones.

Schedule: Schedules include early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays and multi-day trips. New attendants often work reserve, on call for open trips.

A day in the life

1. 5:00 AMCheck in at the crew room, review the flight plan and crew briefing.
2. 5:30 AMCheck oxygen bottles, fire extinguishers and first aid kits on the aircraft.
3. 6:00 AMGreet passengers and help with carry-ons during boarding.
4. 6:30 AMGive the safety demonstration and complete cabin checks.

See a full day in the life of a flight attendant →

Flight Attendant salary

Half of flight attendants earned more than $63,580 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,110 for the lowest 10% to $136,430 for the top 10%.

Full flight attendant pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a flight attendant

1. Meet requirements
2. Gain customer service experience
3. Apply and interview
4. Complete airline training
5. Build seniority

A high school diploma is typical; some airlines prefer college or customer service experience. Airlines provide three to eight weeks of training, and new flight attendants earn an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a flight attendant →

Skills and tools

All flight attendant skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Certifications and licenses

• FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency: Required for flight attendants on most commercial flights.
• CPR and AED certification: Part of airline training.
• First aid training: Covered in initial and recurrent training.
• Recurrent training: Annual training to stay qualified.

Career path

1. Flight Attendant (Reserve): Fly open trips on call.
2. Line Holder: Hold a regular schedule.
3. Purser or Lead Flight Attendant: Lead cabin crews.
4. Inflight Trainer or Supervisor: Train or manage flight attendants.

Learn the job before day one

Our Flight Attendant training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as secure the cabin for takeoff and respond to an in-flight medical emergency, safety and how to land your first job.

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More flight attendant questions →