Aptly
Careers · Transportation and material moving

Flight Attendants

Flight attendants ensure passenger safety and comfort during airline flights. They monitor the cabin, demonstrate safety procedures, serve food and beverages, and handle emergencies. Flight attendants work for airlines and spend significant time traveling between airports and cities.

$63,580median pay, U.S., per year
$51,760–$95,640middle half earn
132Kemployed in the U.S.
High school diplomatypical education · 12% hold a bachelor’s or higher
LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.
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A day in the work

A typical day involves arriving at the airport several hours before departure for briefings and safety checks. During flights, attendants serve meals and drinks, assist passengers with requests, and monitor cabin conditions. After landing, they complete paperwork and prepare for the next flight. Schedules vary, including early mornings, late nights, and time away from home.

Who this work suits

Conventional
57Social
53Realistic
51Enterprising
44Investigative
17Artistic
5

Holland code CSR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to do well in this work if you're comfortable following established procedures and regulations while helping others feel supported and informed. You work well with people from different backgrounds and stay calm in situations that require quick thinking and clear communication.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

SpeakingActive ListeningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationCoordinationReading ComprehensionCritical Thinking

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageTransportationPsychologyGeography

Who is hiring

4open roles like this on employer career sites
1employer hiring
3posted in the last 7 days
NJwhere most openings are

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
New York$75,990$126,650$163,75012,060
Utah$62,940$82,730$103,8902,490
California$59,230$82,170$100,55015,840
Georgia$62,410$78,320$98,840—
Connecticut$62,770$78,180$96,560250
Washington$63,210$74,090$99,190—
Michigan$61,270$62,490$96,830—
Ohio$44,980$62,440$83,450990
Idaho$62,200$62,200$101,170—
Illinois$60,320$62,120$77,7209,350
Arizona$38,720$61,780$80,8104,590
Massachusetts$58,900$61,510$92,0204,390
All 19 states

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against flight attendants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 53-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.