Flight attendant

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

Less than 5 years

Calculate your switch to flight attendant

What the work is like

Core tasks

• 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.
• Walk aisles of planes to verify that passengers have complied with federal regulations prior to takeoffs and landings.
• Direct and assist passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing.
• Prepare passengers and aircraft for landing, following procedures.
• Administer first aid to passengers in distress.
• Determine special assistance needs of passengers, such as small children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.

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

Outlook and AI

Flight attendants held 133,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 145,500 by 2035 (+9%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).

Compare with

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• Flight attendant vs. Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks
• Flight attendant vs. Airfield operations specialist
• Flight attendant vs. Baggage porters and bellhops
• Flight attendant vs. Transportation security screener
• Flight attendant vs. Aircraft cargo handling supervisor
• Flight attendant vs. Air traffic controller
• Flight attendant vs. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
• Flight attendant vs. Locker room, coatroom, and dressing room attendants