Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $29.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Cambridge, MA runs $29.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,936 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the flight attendant hourly pay is projected to be $29.30 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.02 per hour. For those working part-time, like a three-day workweek, this rate translates into a substantial earning potential while balancing other life commitments. The role requires managing various in-flight tasks, which frequently occur in commercial aircraft cabins, affecting how earnings can stack up over time. With an hourly range spanning from $16.99 for entry-level positions to $45.41 for top earners, it demonstrates the potential for career advancement within the profession. Given the diverse operating environments—ranging from galley service stations to hotel layovers and crew briefing rooms—flight attendants in this city can leverage their hourly earnings based on experience, training, and the airline they work for.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.99 | $135.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.89 | $183.09 |
| Median (P50) | $29.30 | $234.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.50 | $300.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.41 | $363.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $29.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.30/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,160. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,172.01 | $5,079 | $60,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.20 | $3,047 | $36,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.80 | $2,031 | $24,378 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Cambridge) | $29.30 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $60,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 13.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,041.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.30/hr = $36,567/year (purchasing power: $33,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,944/year (purchasing power: $56,170).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Cambridge grew 12.3% from $25.72/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.74/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time flight attendants reveals a stark contrast in annual take-home pay compared to full-time workers. A flight attendant working three days a week typically brings home around $45,504 annually, significantly lower than the full-time equivalent that can reach over $60,000. Additionally, per diem pay—a crucial aspect of compensation for flight attendants—adds another layer to their earnings. For instance, international flights can provide per diem rates between $1.80 and $3.00 per hour, which are tax-advantaged and can raise effective hourly rates substantially, particularly for junior reserve attendants who might face unpaid waiting hours. The type of airline also plays a significant role in determining pay scales, with major carriers often providing more comprehensive benefits than low-cost airlines. Knowing how to negotiate effectively is essential for flight attendants in Cambridge, especially when weighing the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance, which some airlines may offer to attract talent despite lower pay rates.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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