Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Dover, DE: $30.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Dover, DE runs $30.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, Delaware, flight attendants are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $30.94 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.02. This hourly rate holds significance for both full-time and part-time flight attendants. Part-time employees typically work about three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, while per-diem workers benefit from additional compensation, often calculated during layovers and high-demand cycles. The hourly pay ranges from $17.95 for entry-level positions to $47.96 for the most experienced flight attendants. Such figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect a diverse spectrum of career stages within this profession. Flight attendants might find themselves working on various aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, and may serve in different operational roles including galley service and jumpseat occupation during takeoff and landing.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.95 | $143.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.50 | $211.99 |
| Median (P50) | $30.94 | $247.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.61 | $316.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.96 | $383.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $30.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.94/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, DE can expect to earn approximately $64,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,133. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,237.77 | $5,364 | $64,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.66 | $3,218 | $38,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.11 | $2,145 | $25,746 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Dover) | $30.94 |
| 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 Dover, DE earn a median of $64,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 0.90% below the Delaware state average of $64,953.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.94/hr = $38,618/year (purchasing power: $37,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,364/year (purchasing power: $63,288).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Dover grew 12.3% from $27.16/hr (2019) to $30.49/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.41/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 Dover 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 Dover
Analyzing the financial realities for flight attendants reveals intriguing dynamics, especially for those opting for part-time schedules. A flight attendant working three days a week, achieving 24 hours, can bring home an annual income that is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. On top of their base pay, per diem flight attendant pay in Dover provides extra financial flexibility, particularly during longer international assignments. Per-diem rates can range from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for overseas flights and remain advantageous from a tax perspective. While major U.S. carriers typically offer pay structures that focus on flying hours, regional airlines may cater to a lower wage scale. The benefits of working with larger airlines often include health insurance, which could make slightly lower hourly rates more attractive compared to those in corporate or low-cost carriers, where higher hourly rates might come without benefits. For those in Dover seeking to negotiate their salary, emphasizing unique qualifications and flexibility can bolster their case in both competitive and collaborative working environments.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Dover in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in Dover?
Are flight attendants in Dover paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time flight attendant make per year in Dover?
Do flight attendants earn more per hour working part-time in Dover?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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 Dover. 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 Dover 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