Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $38.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Los Angeles, CA runs $38.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,573 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,346 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the projected flight attendant hourly pay is $38.74, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.02. This robust hourly rate presents excellent opportunities for both part-time and per-diem flight attendants who typically work on commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. A flight attendant working three days a week might still achieve a comfortable income, especially considering per-diem opportunities that enhance overall earnings. The hourly pay ranges from $23.48 at the entry level to $55.16 for top earners with extensive experience. Official BLS OEWS data underscores this pay scale, reflecting the multi-faceted responsibilities flight attendants shoulder in various settings—from supervising galley service stations to ensuring passenger safety in jumpseat positions.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.48 | $187.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.68 | $229.45 |
| Median (P50) | $38.74 | $309.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.06 | $368.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.16 | $441.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $38.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.74/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,577 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,486. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,549.55 | $6,715 | $80,577 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.73 | $4,029 | $48,346 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.82 | $2,686 | $32,231 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Los Angeles) | $38.74 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $80,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.87% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 10.40% above the California state average of $72,983.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.74/hr = $48,346/year (purchasing power: $42,571).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,577/year (purchasing power: $70,951).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Los Angeles grew 36.9% from $27.89/hr (2019) to $38.17/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.32/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Analyzing part-time earnings, a flight attendant working 24 hours per week could realistically bring home approximately $48,000 annually, significantly lower than the compensation of full-time colleagues. However, per-diem flight attendant pay in Los Angeles can greatly augment earnings, with rates for domestic work ranging typically from $1.80 to $2.30 per hour, while international assignments may yield between $1.80 and $3.00 per hour. These per-diem amounts, tax-advantaged, mean that effective hourly rates can soar beyond $50 during busy international routes. Variability in hourly pay also exists across different employers, with major U.S. carriers like Delta and American typically offering higher wages compared to low-cost or regional airlines. Job seekers in the Los Angeles area must assess the trade-offs between a lower hourly rate with comprehensive health benefits versus a higher hourly pay without such advantages, a decision often influenced by personal circumstances and long-term career goals. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the seniority-based pay scale prevalent in the industry and emphasizing any unique qualifications can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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