How much do flight attendants make at American, Delta, and United: Some can make more than $100 a year.
'17.01.2025'
ForumDaily New York
Flight attendants at American, Delta and United earn far less than their pilot counterparts. But the highest paid flight attendants can earn a base salary of more than $70 a year, with some earning six figures, according to Insider.
But the job is far from the typical 9-to-00. Earning big salaries at the three largest U.S. airlines requires years of grueling hours and high standards of customer service and security.
Flight attendants are paid a base hourly rate plus a per diem if they are away from home. the airport base. They are paid more on holidays, in the case of night flights or in specialized positions. In addition, airlines usually award bonuses. The pay increases with each year of service up to the 13th.
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Most flight attendants are guaranteed a monthly minimum, which varies depending on the airline. This means they will be paid for at least a certain number of hours each month, whether they fly or not.
American offers the highest hourly rates, followed by Delta, while United has frozen them from 2021 as the airline and union negotiate a new contract.
American Airlines
- First year: $36 per hour.
- Year 13: $82 per hour.
American offers the highest hourly rates thanks to a new contract ratified in September with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants.
The new contract increased pay to 20,5% as of the signing date. Flight attendants in their first year start at $36 an hour, while those with 13 years of experience earn about $82 an hour.
American guarantees 71 hours of pay per month for those on a pre-planned "line" schedule. "Standby" crew, or those working on-call, have a minimum of 75 hours.
This amounts to at least $30 per year for a first-year crew member and $500 for flight attendants with 70 years of experience before taxes and other income.
Under the new contract, pay will increase in October 2025 and then annually through 2029. At that time, hourly rates will increase to a starting base pay of about $40 an hour.
American added a boarding time payment of 50% of a flight attendant’s hourly rate to its latest contract. The extra pay is expected to go into effect in March. It will further increase flight attendants’ annual salaries. Historically, crews have not been paid for boarding time.
American hasn't paid a high profit-sharing premium, which was just 2023% in 1,1. The new contract increases that profit-sharing formula to Delta's level.
The final amount will depend on American's year-end earnings.
Delta Air Lines
- First year: $35,5 per hour.
- Year 13: $79,80 per hour.
Delta flight attendants are not unionized. Their last pay raise was about 5% in June.
First-year Delta flight attendants earn a base salary of $35,50 an hour. Crew members with 13 years of service are paid about $80 an hour.
Like their American counterparts, Delta flight attendants receive a boarding time bonus equal to half their hourly rate. In 2022, Delta became the first major U.S. airline to offer the bonus.
Delta flight attendant salaries vary based on the number of hours worked per month.
The company does not have a contractual minimum.
Those trying to unionize say the lack of guaranteed hours will result in lower pay than competitors.
A Delta spokesman said flight attendants typically work 80 hours a month, meaning those on the job for the first of a possible 13 years make about $34 and $000 a year, respectively.
They can earn up to an extra $1200 a year for meeting monthly operating metrics, he said.
Delta consistently distributes the highest annual profits. In 2023, the company paid employees $1,4 billion, which amounted to a bonus of 10,4% of employees' eligible earnings.
United Airlines
- First year: $28,88.
- Year 13: $67,11.
United has the lowest first-year base pay, at about $29 an hour. Flight attendants with 67 years of experience are paid about $XNUMX an hour.
United guarantees 71 hours of pay per month for those who work the scheduled hours. A standby crew member gets a minimum of 78 hours.
This amounts to a minimum of $24 per year for first-year flight attendants and $600 for those with 57 years of experience.
United does not currently offer boarding time payment.
Failed negotiations between United and its union, the Flight Attendants Association (CWA), have prevented a pay increase. Mediation on a new contract has been suspended until at least early this year. United flight attendants are still being paid at 2021 rates.
An airline spokesman said half of its flight attendants had reached the top of the pay scale through seniority, with the average annual salary in that group being nearly $80.
United said it offered a 22,5% raise and new boarding time pay as part of contract negotiations.
The union said it wanted industry-leading pay, rules and work schedules.
Despite lower comparative base salaries, United flight attendants received high profit-sharing bonuses, amounting to about 2023% of their annual salary in 9,2.
Other ways for flight attendants to earn money
Other ways to earn money include overtime, flying on holidays or at night, and skilled positions.
Airlines offer flight attendants free flights as part of their employment benefits.
Additional pay ranges from $1 to $7,50 per hour depending on aircraft and flights.
Flight attendants receive a per diem (between $2 and $4 for each hour they are away from home) to cover work-related expenses such as food, laundry, and transportation.
Senior flight attendants can earn more than $100 a year depending on the number of hours worked. Additional pay and pay for special skills multiply this figure.