Flight Attendant Salary in 2025: Complete Pay Guide by Airline

Flight attendant salaries in the US vary significantly by airline, seniority, and route type. Starting pay at major carriers ranges from $28-$45/hour (flight hours only). First-year total compensation including per diem averages $35,000-$50,000. Senior crew at legacy carriers can earn $80,000-$120,000+ with all compensation factored in.

Delta Air Lines: Starting $37/hour, top scale $78/hour. United Airlines: Starting $35/hour, top scale $75/hour. American Airlines: Starting $33/hour, top scale $73/hour. Southwest Airlines: Starting $32/hour, top scale $72/hour. JetBlue: Starting $29/hour, top scale $62/hour. Regional carriers (SkyWest, Envoy, Republic): Starting $22-$28/hour. Note: these are flight hours only — add 10-20% for per diem and other compensation.

Total compensation includes: unlimited standby flights for you and eligible family/friends, health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, hotel stays during layovers, per diem payments ($2.20-$2.80/hour for domestic, $2.50-$3.20/hour for international), profit sharing (Delta's has averaged 10-16% of pay), and schedule flexibility with seniority.