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Flight Attendant

Also called: In-Flight Crew Member, International Flight Attendant, Purser, Inflight Services Flight Attendant

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Transportation
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Median pay
$63,580/yr
Typical range
$35,110 – $136,430
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Flight Attendant do?

  • Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
  • Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.
  • Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.

How to become a Flight Attendant

Training: A high school diploma or GED or bachelor's degree. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Talking to othersKeeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvementsLooking for ways to help peopleUnderstanding people's reactions

Is it a fit for you?

  • Optimism
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self-Control

Tools and technology

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointSBS International Maestro SuiteValtamTech Flight Crew Log

Questions people ask

How much does a Flight Attendant make?

About $63,580 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $35,110 and $136,430. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Flight Attendant?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Flight Attendant?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED or bachelor's degree.

Is Flight Attendant a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.