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 AttendantIn-Flight Crew MemberInternational Flight AttendantPurser

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

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
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

AD OPT AltitudeArkitektia Flight ItineraryBid AssistantIBM Lotus LearningSpaceSBS International Maestro SuiteValtamTech Flight Crew Log

Tools & Equipment

Aircraft fire extinguishing systemsAutomated external defibrillators AEDBlood pressure recordersCabin management systemsCardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR equipmentCardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR masksChemical oxygen generatorsCommercial cooking ovens