Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $35.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Richmond, CA runs $35.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, California, the flight attendant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $35.75, providing a substantial advantage over the national median of $31.02. This higher pay rate reflects the competitive nature of the airline industry in this area, which often sees flight attendants working in busy commercial aircraft cabins, such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, as well as in various galley service stations and during hotel layovers. For part-time flight attendants working three days a week, this translates into solid earnings, especially when considering the potential for added income through per diem allowances. While starting-level attendants may earn around $20.73 per hour, seasoned professionals can reach up to $55.41 per hour, significantly enhancing their overall compensation and providing attractive incentives for those in the profession.
About the Richmond 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) | $20.73 | $165.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.96 | $223.68 |
| Median (P50) | $35.75 | $286.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.76 | $366.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.41 | $443.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $35.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.75/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $74,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,906. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,430.20 | $6,198 | $74,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $858.12 | $3,719 | $44,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $572.08 | $2,479 | $29,748 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Richmond) | $35.75 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $74,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.24% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 1.90% above the California state average of $72,975.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.75/hr = $44,622/year (purchasing power: $39,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,370/year (purchasing power: $65,756).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Richmond grew 12.3% from $31.38/hr (2019) to $35.23/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.29/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a flight attendant scheduled for just three days each week at 24 hours may only take home a modest sum annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem flight attendant pay in Richmond can range from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour internationally, contributing additional income for those traveling abroad. The effective hourly rate for international sectors can be impressive, sometimes hitting between $50 to $80, especially when factoring in per diem. However, junior reserve flight attendants may face unpredictable work with unpaid waiting hours. Hourly rates can also differ among employers, with major carriers like Delta and American often providing more competitive compensation packages compared to low-cost carriers. Many flight attendants must carefully balance their desire for higher rates against the benefits of health insurance and job security offered by larger airlines. To negotiate effectively, it benefits candidates in Richmond to stay informed about pay trends in corporate aviation and consider the overall package rather than focusing solely on the hourly rate.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in Richmond?
Are flight attendants in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time flight attendant make per year in Richmond?
Do flight attendants earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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