What Does a Passenger Attendant Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a passenger attendant do?

Passenger attendants provide services to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on trains, buses, ships and at airports, such as greeting passengers and assisting with wheelchairs. The median pay is $37,720 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few days to weeks, and employment is projected to grow +6.0% from 2025–35.

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

Median pay
$37,720
$18.14/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+6.0%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
4,300
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few days to weeks
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
27,200
Employment, 2025

What passenger attendants do

Passenger attendants keep travelers safe and comfortable. They help people board, push airport wheelchairs, serve food on trains, answer questions, make announcements and assist in emergencies.

A high school diploma and short training are typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Help passengers board
Push wheelchairs
Answer questions
Serve food and drinks
Make announcements
Assist in emergencies
Keep areas tidy

Work environment and schedule

Attendants work in airports, on trains, buses and ships.

Schedule: Shifts include early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.

A day in the life

5:30 AMCheck in at the airport.
6:00 AMPush a passenger to a gate.
7:30 AMHelp an arriving passenger to baggage.
9:00 AMHelp a family with luggage.

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

Passenger Attendant salary

Half of passenger attendants earned more than $37,720 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $27,970 for the lowest 10% to $46,590 for the top 10%.

$27,97010th$37,720Median$46,59090th

Full passenger attendant pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a passenger attendant

Finish high school
Pass a background check
Get hired
Complete training
Advance

A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.

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

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Passenger assistance
Wheelchair handling
Customer service
Safety procedures
Food service

People skills

Kindness
Patience
Courtesy
Calm

All passenger attendant skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Help people
Short training
Tips at some jobs

Cons

Low base pay
On your feet
Odd hours
Demanding travelers

Certifications and licenses

Passenger assistance training: Employer.
CPR and first aid: Helpful.
Food handler card: For food service.
Background check: Required at airports.

Career path

Attendant: Entry.
Lead Attendant: Lead.
Supervisor: Lead.
Flight Attendant or Manager: Advance.

Learn the job before day one

Our Passenger Attendant training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as push an airport wheelchair passenger and help an unaccompanied minor, safety and how to land your first job.

View Passenger Attendant training Is this career right for me?

Flight Attendant

Keep airline passengers safe and comfortable from boarding to arrival.

$63,580
3–8 weeks of airline training

Reservation Agent

Book trips, sell tickets and help travelers at airports, stations and call centers.

$44,390
A few weeks of training

School Bus Monitor

Ride school buses to keep students safe and help them on and off.

$35,100
A few days to weeks

Concierge

Help guests and residents get reservations, tickets, tips and anything they need.

$38,950
1–6 months on the job

Compare: Passenger Attendant vs. Flight Attendant · Passenger Attendant vs. Reservation Agent · Passenger Attendant vs. School Bus Monitor · Passenger Attendant vs. Concierge

Passenger Attendant FAQ

Do I need experience?

No.

Is the job growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Do airport attendants get tips?

Some do.

How much does a passenger attendant make?

The median annual wage for passenger attendants was $37,720 ($18.14 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,970 and the highest 10% earned more than $46,590.

How long does it take to become a passenger attendant?

Most people need about A few days to weeks of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a passenger attendant?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-6061 (Passenger attendants).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Passenger 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.

Passenger Attendant