Salary distribution
Where California flight attendants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,940 and $100,860, with a median of $77,870.
Flight Attendants pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.5 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Speech Clarity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Monitoring
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
- 02
Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.
- 03
Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.
- 04
Walk aisles of planes to verify that passengers have complied with federal regulations prior to takeoffs and landings.
- 05
Direct and assist passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing.
- 06
Prepare passengers and aircraft for landing, following procedures.
- 07
Administer first aid to passengers in distress.
- 08
Determine special assistance needs of passengers, such as small children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+9.3%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for flight attendants in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Diego$94,650
- Los Angeles$77,870
- San Francisco$72,200
Compare Flight Attendants pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Flight Attendants in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Flight Attendants in California is $77,870.
- How does California compare to the national median for Flight Attendants?
- The California median is +11.1% versus the BLS national figure of $70,101.
- What is the salary range for Flight Attendants in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,290 and the 90th-percentile at $131,660, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Flight Attendants a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 9.3% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Flight Attendants?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.