Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $35.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in San Rafael, CA runs $35.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, flight attendant hourly pay in San Rafael, California, is projected to reach a median of $35.60, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This competitive rate not only reflects the high demand for trained professionals in aviation but also the city's cost of living index, which stands at 113.1, exceeding the national average. For part-time workers—typically on a 3-day workweek—this translates into substantial earnings, especially during shifts in commercial aircraft cabins like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. The hourly pay range for flight attendants in the region will span from approximately $20.64 for entry-level positions to as much as $55.18 for seasoned veterans. Given the responsibilities at various venues like galley service stations, crew briefing rooms, and hotel layovers, these earnings can be further supplemented by per diem allowances, enhancing the financial appeal of this profession.
About the San Rafael 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) | $20.64 | $165.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.80 | $230.42 |
| Median (P50) | $35.60 | $284.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.57 | $364.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.18 | $441.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $35.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.60/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $74,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,723. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,424.11 | $6,171 | $74,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.46 | $3,703 | $44,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.64 | $2,468 | $29,621 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (San Rafael) | $35.60 |
| 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 San Rafael, CA earn a median of $74,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 1.50% above the California state average of $72,951.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.60/hr = $44,432/year (purchasing power: $39,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,054/year (purchasing power: $65,476).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in San Rafael grew 12.3% from $31.25/hr (2019) to $35.08/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.13/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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael
Examining part-time flight attendants working an average of 24 hours per week, the annual take-home income can be quite considerable, though it typically falls short of full-time earnings. Per diem rates, which can range from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights, add a significant layer of financial benefit that is tax-advantaged. Experienced flight attendants can find effective hourly earnings soaring to $50-$80 when these allowances are combined with flight hours. Moreover, hourly wages can vary based on the type of airline; major U.S. carriers tend to offer higher pay rates, whereas regional airlines might offer lower base wages but provide opportunities for benefits. Some flight attendants opt for lower hourly pay at major airlines to gain health insurance, a crucial consideration when evaluating job offers. In San Rafael, it's advisable for attendants to thoroughly negotiate their rates, keeping in mind their unique per diem flight attendant pay structure and the competitive briefing-room negotiations typical in a bustling aviation market.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 San Rafael. 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 San Rafael 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