FAQ
Flight Attendant FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a flight attendant.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a flight attendant: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about flight attendants
Do flight attendants need a degree?
No. A high school diploma is typical, plus airline training.
How long is flight attendant training?
Usually three to eight weeks.
What is reserve?
On-call status where new attendants fill open trips.
How much does a flight attendant make?
The median annual wage for flight attendants was $63,580 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,110 and the highest 10% earned more than $136,430.
How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
Most people need about 3–8 weeks of airline training of training. 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.
Do you need a degree to be a flight attendant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is flight attendant a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +8.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 18,500 openings each year. Upsides include travel benefits for you and often family; a common challenge is that irregular schedules and time away.
What skills does a flight attendant need?
Key technical skills include emergency procedures, first aid and cpr, aircraft safety equipment, and service procedures. Employers also value customer service, calm under pressure, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for flight attendants?
Common credentials include FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency, CPR and AED certification, First aid training, and Recurrent training. Flight attendants on most commercial passenger flights must hold an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency after completing airline training, and complete recurrent training each year.
Still deciding?
Try the Flight Attendant fit quiz, compare with Hotel Front Desk Agent, or explore Flight Attendant training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-2031 (Flight attendants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Flight attendants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.