Flight Attendants

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

SOC: 53-2031.00

Common Job Titles

  • Flight Attendant
  • In-Flight Crew Member
  • International Flight Attendant
  • Purser

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate aircraft cabin safety conditions and compliance with federal aviation regulations independently during pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operations.
  • Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of emergency response procedures including evacuation protocols and medical interventions using CPR equipment, AEDs, and oxygen systems under high-stress emergency conditions.
  • KnowledgeAssess passenger medical emergencies and safety threats in real-time, prioritizing interventions and coordinating with flight crew and ground support.
  • MindsetIntegrate conflict resolution techniques with customer service principles when managing challenging passenger behaviors and negotiating solutions in confined cabin environments.
  • Hands-onCoordinate in-flight food and beverage service operations efficiently using galley equipment and refreshment carts while maintaining safety protocols.
  • MindsetAdvocate for passenger comfort, safety, and regulatory compliance while balancing airline operational requirements and customer satisfaction goals.
  • MindsetEngage passengers with diverse needs and concerns during in-flight service while maintaining professional demeanor under time constraints.
  • KnowledgeExplain safety demonstrations and emergency procedures clearly to multilingual passenger groups using verbal communication and visual aids.
  • KnowledgeApply public safety and security knowledge to identify potential threats through continuous monitoring of cabin activities and passenger behaviors.
  • Hands-onOperate aircraft safety equipment including fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and oxygen systems following standard operating procedures during routine checks and emergency situations.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Flight Attendants (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

130,110

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $34,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $52,280. 50th percentile: U.S. $67,130. 75th percentile: U.S. $98,160. 90th percentile: U.S. $138,040. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$34,030
10% of workers earn the following or more$138,040
Workers on average earn$78,950

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
  • Public Safety and Security4.5/5
  • English Language4.5/5
  • Transportation3.5/5
  • Psychology3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • AD OPT Altitude
  • Arkitektia Flight Itinerary
  • Bid Assistant
  • IBM Lotus LearningSpace
  • SBS International Maestro Suite
  • ValtamTech Flight Crew Log

Tools & Equipment

  • Aircraft fire extinguishing systems
  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Blood pressure recorders
  • Cabin management systems
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR equipment
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR masks
  • Chemical oxygen generators
  • Commercial cooking ovens
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment