Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $36.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Kailua, HI runs $36.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,572 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, flight attendants earn a competitive median hourly rate of $36.52, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This attractive pay provides a solid financial foundation for those working in various settings, such as commercial aircraft including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, as well as positions in galley service and during takeoff. With an hourly range extending from $21.18 for entry-level positions to $56.60 for those at the top tier, flight attendants in Kailua can enjoy both stability and the potential for considerably higher earnings with experience. Additionally, per diem opportunities are often available during hotel layovers and crew briefings, allowing flight attendants to enhance their earnings while on international routes or when flying domestic legs.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.18 | $169.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.88 | $239.03 |
| Median (P50) | $36.52 | $292.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.75 | $373.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.60 | $452.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $36.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.52/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $75,953 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,819. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,460.64 | $6,329 | $75,953 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.39 | $3,798 | $45,572 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.26 | $2,532 | $30,381 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Kailua) | $36.52 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $75,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $76,648.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.52/hr = $45,572/year (purchasing power: $38,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,953/year (purchasing power: $63,666).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Kailua grew 12.3% from $32.05/hr (2019) to $35.98/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.06/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
For those considering part-time flight attendant work in Kailua, the earning potential on a 3-day work schedule can yield around $28,364 annually if working approximately 24 hours weekly. This contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts, who often accrue significantly more based on longer hours and seniority. Per diem compensation can add an appealing dimension, particularly for international operations where rates can approach $3.00 per hour, contributing to effective take-home pay that can range from $50 to $80 during flights. Flight attendants in Kailua encounter varied employer types, from major U.S. carriers to regional airlines and private aviation firms. While engaging with different companies, it’s common to find trade-offs in hourly pay against job benefits—some opting for higher earnings at low-cost carriers without health insurance, while others choose stability and support that may come with major airlines despite slightly lower hourly rates. Understanding the specifics of flight attendant hourly pay in Kailua is crucial for negotiating terms that align with both immediate needs and long-term career goals.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Kailua in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in Kailua?
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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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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