Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $35.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Chico, CA runs $35.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,812 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, flight attendants in Chico, California, will earn a median hourly rate of $35.11, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This elevated pay reflects the cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled professionals in the aviation industry. Part-time flight attendants working three days a week can expect to take home a solid income, balancing their schedules between commercial aircraft, hotel layovers, and crew briefings. The hourly wage in Chico ranges from $20.36 at the entry-level to $54.41 for high-earning FAs, indicative of experience and the seniority-driven pay structure common in airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest. Such figures emphasize the importance of competitive hourly pay within this profession, especially considering the unique working conditions faced, including long shifts, varied destinations, and the need for adaptability in busy cabin environments.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.36 | $162.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.78 | $230.26 |
| Median (P50) | $35.11 | $280.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.93 | $359.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.41 | $435.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $35.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.11/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $73,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,126. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.22 | $6,085 | $73,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.53 | $3,651 | $43,812 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.69 | $2,434 | $29,208 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Chico) | $35.11 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $73,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.10% above the California state average of $72,944.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.11/hr = $43,812/year (purchasing power: $38,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,019/year (purchasing power: $64,562).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Chico grew 12.3% from $30.81/hr (2019) to $34.59/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.63/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 Chico 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 Chico
Evaluating the earnings potential for flight attendants in Chico reveals significant financial differences between part-time and full-time work. A flight attendant working just 24 hours a week can generate an above-average income, though the specific amount varies depending on trip lengths and the carrier’s pay structure. Flight attendants often enjoy per diem opportunities as well, which convert to additional pay; international routes may yield $1.80 to $3.00 per hour in meal allowances, enhancing effective hourly rates to $50-$80. The variety in employers—including regional airlines, corporate aviation, and cargo carriers—further influences hourly rates. While major carriers might offer higher wages and benefits, regional airlines and low-cost carriers could provide a less lucrative but more flexible schedule. It's crucial for flight attendants in Chico to assess these trade-offs, especially regarding benefits versus pay. When negotiating hourly pay, recognizing one’s worth based on seniority, specialized skills, and the unique demands of each flight can empower attendants to achieve better compensation.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Chico. 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 Chico 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