Flight Attendants
O*NET 53-2031.00 · SOC 53-2031
Flight Attendant is a solid career choice. Median pay is $64k a year with +8.8% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 18,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Demonstrate emergency exit and safety equipment to passengers
- →Serve meals and beverages during flights
- →Check that overhead bins are properly closed before takeoff
- →Assist passengers with carry-on luggage storage
- →Calm and assist passengers during turbulence or emergencies
Education & How to Get In
Flight Attendant roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Flight Attendant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Flight Attendant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Flight Attendant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Flight Attendants is projected to grow 8.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Flight Attendant make?
The median Flight Attendant earns $64k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Flight Attendant jobs?
Our model puts Flight Attendant at 47 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Flight Attendant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 8.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 18,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Flight Attendant?
Most Flight Attendant roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Flight Attendant?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Flight Attendant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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