Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $26.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Benton, AR runs $26.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,188 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,513 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, flight attendants earn a median hourly pay of $26.05, which falls significantly below the national median of $31.02. For those working part-time, typically about three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a gross income that may not fully reflect the long shifts and unpredictable schedules common in commercial aviation. Flight attendants find themselves in various settings, from bustling commercial aircraft cabins of major carriers like American and Delta to jumpseat positions during takeoff and landing. The hourly pay range is quite broad, starting at about $15.11 for entry-level positions and extending to around $40.38 for highly experienced attendants, reflecting significant variability based on seniority and type of airline service. While Benton’s living costs are below the national average, the hourly earnings still present challenges for many in this profession.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.11 | $120.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.93 | $167.42 |
| Median (P50) | $26.05 | $208.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.38 | $323.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $26.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.05/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $54,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,263. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,042.10 | $4,516 | $54,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $625.26 | $2,709 | $32,513 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.84 | $1,806 | $21,676 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Benton) | $26.05 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Air Traffic Controller (National Avg) | $66.35 |
| Travel Agent (National Avg) | $22.99 |
| Hotel / Cruise Desk Clerk (National Avg) | $16.49 |
Flight Attendants in Benton, AR earn a median of $54,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $55,293.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.05/hr = $32,513/year (purchasing power: $37,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,189/year (purchasing power: $62,358).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Benton grew 12.3% from $22.87/hr (2019) to $25.67/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem flight attendants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.49% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Flight Attendant in Benton
An analysis of flight attendant income in Benton indicates that a part-time employee working 24 hours weekly might earn roughly $31,000 annually, a figure that falls short compared to full-time roles often rewarded with comprehensive benefits packages. Per-diem compensation can further diversify income; for instance, domestic per diem typically ranges from $1.80 to $2.30 per hour, while international trips can see this figure soar to $3.00. During peak travel times, effective hourly earnings—when factoring in per diem—can reach as high as $50 to $80, but this varies widely depending on the airline type and operational demands. Major airlines and regional carriers might offer more robust benefits, like health insurance, which can make slightly lower hourly pay more appealing to some. Conversely, attendants at low-cost carriers could face pay structures that offer higher hourly rates with less security. For those seeking roles in Benton’s aviation sector, emphasizing skills aligned with the FAA's Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency and understanding the seniority pay structure can aid in negotiations and career advancement.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.49% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for flight attendants in Benton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov