Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $34.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $34.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Flight attendants in Rancho Cordova, California, earn a median hourly rate of $34.80, which is significantly higher than the national median of $31.02 per hour. This difference reflects the competitive labor market and the unique demands of the role, which often includes working in commercial aircraft cabins like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. For part-time attendants who might work three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a manageable income while allowing for flexible schedules. The hourly pay range varies widely, from about $20.19 for entry-level positions to $53.94 for the most experienced professionals in the field, showcasing a clear trajectory for career advancement. In addition to base pay, these attendants often benefit from per diem rates, enhancing their total hourly earnings while accommodating costs associated with prolonged layovers in premium accommodations.
The earning potential for a flight attendant in this region can be quite lucrative, especially for those who engage in per-diem or agency work. For a flight attendant working part-time at 24 hours per week, the annual take-home could be significantly lower compared to a full-time position, but the flexibility might outweigh the income trade-off. Per diem pay, which can range between $1.80 and $2.30 per hour for domestic flights and up to $3.00 for international routes, further supplements income by providing tax-advantaged stipends for meals and incidentals. This can effectively raise potential hourly earnings to between $50 and $80 during busy international flights. Additionally, the variety of job opportunities in Rancho Cordova—from major U.S. airlines to regional or low-cost carriers—often leads to varying hourly wage structures. Consequently, many flight attendants must balance higher hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance, which is a critical consideration in the decision-making process when selecting employers. Understanding how to negotiate based on these factors can significantly impact overall job satisfaction and financial well-being.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $20.19 | $161.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.28 | $234.24 |
| Median (P50) | $34.80 | $278.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.54 | $356.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.94 | $431.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $34.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.80/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $72,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,761. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,392.04 | $6,032 | $72,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.22 | $3,619 | $43,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $556.81 | $2,413 | $28,954 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Rancho Cordova) | $34.80 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $72,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.17% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.80% below the California state average of $72,964.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.80/hr = $43,432/year (purchasing power: $38,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,386/year (purchasing power: $64,002).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Rancho Cordova grew 12.3% from $30.55/hr (2019) to $34.29/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.32/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 Rancho Cordova 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.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in Rancho Cordova?
Are flight attendants in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time flight attendant make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do flight attendants earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
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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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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