Flight attendant compensation at the major US carriers varies significantly by airline, seniority, and contract. Following a wave of new contracts ratified in 2024 and 2025, pay rates have reached historic highs. Here is a comprehensive breakdown.
American Airlines Flight Attendants
American Airlines flight attendants covered by the APFA contract earn $28.88/hr in Year 1, rising to $67.84/hr by Year 20+. With a typical 80-hour monthly schedule, a senior flight attendant earns over $65,000 in base pay annually.
Delta Air Lines Flight Attendants
Delta, which operates as a non-union carrier for cabin crew, pays among the highest base rates in the industry: $32.75/hr starting pay, rising to $72.15/hr at top scale. Delta also distributes profit sharing, with flight attendants receiving an average of $8,200 in Q1 2026 distributions.
United Airlines Flight Attendants
Under the AFA-CWA contract ratified in 2024, United flight attendants earn $29.15/hr in Year 1 through $68.45/hr at top scale.
Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants
Southwest TWU-represented flight attendants earn $33.10/hr base in Year 1, the highest starting rate among the Big 4, under a contract ratified in late 2024.