Education:
70%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
12%
Bachelor's Degree
Flight Attendant
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Job Outlook:
Much faster than average
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Salary
High:
$97,170.00
Average:
$67,020.00
What they do:
Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.
On the job, you would:
- Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
- Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.
- Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.
Important Qualities
Attentiveness. Flight attendants must be aware of security or safety risks during the flight. They also must be attentive to passengers’ needs in order to ensure a pleasant travel experience.
Communication skills. Flight attendants should speak clearly and interact effectively with passengers and other crewmembers. They also must be able to write concisely when documenting in-flight issues.
Customer-service skills. Flight attendants need poise, tact, and resourcefulness to handle stressful situations and to address passengers’ needs.
Decision-making skills. Flight attendants must be able to act decisively, especially in emergencies.
Physical stamina. Flight attendants push, pull, and carry service items; open and close overhead bins; lift heavy objects; and stand and walk for long periods.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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94% | Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. | |
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93% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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92% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
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91% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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91% | Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. | |
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88% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
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88% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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84% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
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81% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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81% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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72% | Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. | |
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66% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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65% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
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83% | Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law. | |
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72% | Social - Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities. | |
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61% | Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
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89% | Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
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83% | Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
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64% | Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
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61% | Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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75% | Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |
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75% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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72% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
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72% | Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |
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69% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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69% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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66% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Monitor patron activities to identify problems or potential problems.
Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
Assist others during emergencies.
Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.
Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
Inspect aircraft or aircraft components.
Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.
Resolve issues affecting transportation operations.
Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety.
Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.
Verify information or specifications.
Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.
Assist passengers during vehicle boarding.
Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with safety, quality, or service standards.
Clean vehicles or vehicle components.
Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.
Assist passengers during vehicle boarding.
Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety.
Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
Operate communications equipment or systems.
Assist passengers during vehicle boarding.
Record operational details of travel.
Collect fares or payment from customers.
Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety.
Sell products or services.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
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99% | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? | |
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99% | Public Speaking - How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job? | |
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97% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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97% | Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? | |
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97% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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96% | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? | |
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93% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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93% | Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? | |
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90% | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People - How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? | |
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89% | Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? | |
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88% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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88% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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88% | Exposed to High Places - How often does this job require exposure to high places? | |
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87% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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87% | Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? | |
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87% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
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86% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
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85% | Exposed to Contaminants - How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? | |
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85% | Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? | |
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82% | Exposed to Radiation - How often does this job require exposure to radiation? | |
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80% | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? | |
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80% | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions - How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? | |
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79% | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? | |
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78% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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77% | Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing? | |
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76% | Exposed to Disease or Infections - How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? | |
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75% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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73% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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72% | Spend Time Walking and Running - How much does this job require walking and running? | |
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70% | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? | |
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67% | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body - How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
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95% | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. | |
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82% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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81% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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77% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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76% | Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. | |
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76% | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. | |
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76% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. | |
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76% | Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. | |
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75% | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. | |
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74% | Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. | |
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72% | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. | |
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69% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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65% | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
What Flight Attendants Do
Flight attendants demonstrate the use of safety equipment and emergency equipment.
Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.
Duties
Flight attendants typically do the following:
- Participate in preflight briefings with pilots to discuss cabin conditions and flight details
- Conduct preflight inspections of emergency equipment
- Demonstrate the location and use of safety equipment and emergency equipment
- Ensure that passengers have their seatbelts fastened when required and that all other safety requirements are observed
- Serve beverages and snacks
- Sell and serve beverages and meals, if available
- Take care of passengers, particularly those with special needs
- Reassure passengers during the flight, such as when the aircraft hits turbulence
- Administer and coordinate emergency medical care, if needed
- Direct passengers, including for evacuating the aircraft in an emergency
Airlines are required by law to have flight attendants aboard aircraft for the safety and security of passengers. The primary job of flight attendants is to keep passengers safe, ensuring that everyone follows security regulations and that the flight deck is secure. Flight attendants also try to make flights comfortable for passengers. At times, they may deal with passengers who display disruptive behavior.
Before takeoff, the captain (pilot) may conduct a preflight briefing with flight attendants about relevant flight information. Details include the number of hours the flight will take, the route the plane will travel, and weather conditions. Flight attendants check that emergency equipment is working, the cabin is clean, and there is an adequate supply of food and beverages on board. Flight attendants greet passengers as they board the aircraft, direct them to their seats, and help as needed.
Flight attendants demonstrate the location and proper use of safety equipment to all passengers, either in person or through a video recording before the plane takes off. They also check that seatbelts are fastened, seats are locked in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed in accordance with federal law and company policy. They answer questions about the flight and generally assist all passengers, including those with special needs.
A flight attendant’s most important responsibility, however, is to help passengers in the event of an emergency. This responsibility ranges from dealing with unruly passengers to directing evacuations. Flight attendants also are trained to perform first aid, extinguish fires, and protect the flight deck.
Before the plane lands, flight attendants once again ensure that seatbelts are fastened, seats are locked in the upright position, and all carry-on and galley items are properly stowed.
After passengers deplane, flight attendants survey the condition of the cabin. They submit reports on any medical, safety, or security issues that may have occurred during the flight.
Work Environment
Flight attendants held about 111,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of flight attendants were as follows:
| Scheduled air transportation | 96% |
| Nonscheduled air transportation | 1 |
Flight attendants work primarily in the cabins of passenger aircraft. Dealing directly with passengers and standing for long periods may be stressful and tiring. Occasionally, flights encounter air turbulence, which may make providing service more difficult and cause anxiety in some passengers. Handling emergencies and unruly customers also may be difficult and stressful.
Flight attendants may spend many nights away from home. Employers typically provide meal allowances and may arrange sleeping accommodations, such as in hotels or apartments shared by a group of flight attendants.
Injuries and Illnesses
Flight attendants have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Common injuries include sprains, strains, and bruises. To avoid injury, these workers must follow safety procedures. For example, they must ensure that overhead compartments are closed, especially during turbulence, so that carry-on items don’t fall and present a risk to everyone in the cabin. Attendants also ensure that carts are properly stowed and latched during emergencies to prevent injuries to passengers and themselves.
Work Schedules
Flight attendants may have variable schedules, and part-time work is common. They often work nights, weekends, and holidays because airlines operate every day and have overnight flights. They may spend several nights per week or per month away from home. In most cases, a contract between the airline and the flight attendant union determines the total daily and monthly workable hours.
On-duty shifts per day may vary from 4 to 18 hours or longer, such as for international flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires specific hours of rest between duty periods based on the duration of a completed duty period. Each month, flight attendants may fly a specified number of hours and generally spend another specified number of hours on the ground preparing flights, writing reports, and waiting for aircraft to arrive.
A flight attendant’s assignments of home base and route are based on seniority. New flight attendants must be flexible with their schedule and location. Almost all flight attendants start out working on call, also known as reserve status. Flight attendants on reserve usually live near their home airport, because they may have to report to work on short notice.
As they earn more seniority, flight attendants may have more control over their schedules. For example, some senior flight attendants may choose to live outside their home base and commute to work. Others may choose to work only on regional flights. On small corporate airlines, flight attendants may work on an as-needed basis.
Getting Started
How to Become a Flight Attendant
Flight attendants take care of passenger needs.
Flight attendants receive training from their employer and must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Flight attendants typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent and work experience in customer service.
Applicants must meet minimum age requirements, typically 18 or 21; be eligible to work in the United States; have a valid passport; and pass a background check and drug test. They must have vision that is correctable to at least 20/40 and often need to conform to height requirements set by the airline. Flight attendants also may have to pass a medical evaluation.
Flight attendants should present a professional appearance, which may be defined by the employer.
Education
A high school diploma is typically required to become a flight attendant. Some airlines may prefer to hire applicants who have taken some college courses or who have a college degree.
Those working on international flights may need fluency in a foreign language.
Prospective attendants may enroll in flight attendant academies.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Flight attendants typically need 1 or 2 years of work experience in a service occupation before getting their first job as a flight attendant. This experience may include customer service positions in restaurants, hotels, or resorts. Experience in sales or in other positions that require close contact with the public and focus on service to customers also may help develop the skills needed to be a successful flight attendant.
Training
After a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide initial training that typically lasts for several weeks or a few months. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is required for FAA certification.
Trainees learn emergency procedures such as evacuating aircraft, operating emergency equipment, and administering first aid. They also receive specific instruction on flight regulations, company operations, and job duties.
Toward the end of the training, students go on practice flights. They must complete the training to keep a job with the airline. Once they have passed initial training, new flight attendants receive the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency and continue to receive additional on-the-job training as required by their employer.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All flight attendants must be certified by the FAA. To become certified, flight attendants must complete their employer’s initial training program and pass an exam. Flight attendants are certified for specific types of aircraft and must take new training for each type of aircraft on which they are to work. In addition, attendants receive recurrent training every year to maintain their certification.
Advancement
Career advancement is based on seniority. On international flights, senior attendants frequently oversee the work of other attendants. Senior attendants may be promoted to management positions in which they are responsible for recruiting, instructing, and scheduling.
Job Outlook
Employment of flight attendants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 16,600 openings for flight attendants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Demand for air travel, particularly from leisure travelers, will continue to support employment growth for flight attendants. Federal regulations require a minimum number of attendants per flight. These workers will continue to be needed to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on flights.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about flight attendants, visit the career webpage of any airline company, contact its personnel department, or visit
Association of Flight Attendants—CWA (AFA-CWA)
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of flight attendants.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bartenders |
Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff. |
No formal educational credential | $29,380 |
|
Customer Service Representatives |
Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $37,780 |
|
EMTs and Paramedics |
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities. |
Postsecondary nondegree award | $39,410 |
|
Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers |
Food and beverage serving and related workers take and prepare orders, clear tables, and do other tasks associated with providing food and drink to customers. |
No formal educational credential | $28,130 |
|
Retail Sales Workers |
Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers’ payments. |
No formal educational credential | $30,750 |
|
Waiters and Waitresses |
Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments. |
No formal educational credential | $29,120 |