Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $33.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Needham, MA runs $33.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,789 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,278 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Needham, Massachusetts, flight attendants earn a median hourly pay of $33.08, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $31.02. This competitive wage reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this field, especially for those servicing various aircraft types such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Part-time flight attendants, working three days a week, can expect to take home decent earnings, while per-diem arrangements at hotels and meal services add significant value to their take-home pay. Entry-level flight attendants start at around $19.18 per hour, working their way up to top earners who can command as much as $51.26 per hour. These estimates are based on annual salary data, which provide a helpful framework for understanding the overall compensation landscape in Needham.
About the Needham 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) | $19.18 | $153.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.69 | $213.53 |
| Median (P50) | $33.08 | $264.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.33 | $338.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.26 | $410.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $33.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.08/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $68,797 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,691. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,323.02 | $5,733 | $68,797 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.81 | $3,440 | $41,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.21 | $2,293 | $27,519 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Needham) | $33.08 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $68,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $69,979.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.08/hr = $41,278/year (purchasing power: $38,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,797/year (purchasing power: $63,408).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Needham grew 12.3% from $29.03/hr (2019) to $32.59/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.57/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 Needham 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 Needham
When considering part-time work, a flight attendant in Needham who operates on a 24-hour weekly schedule could realistically earn an annual income that reflects their status, though it would be noticeably less than full-time counterparts. Per diem flight attendant pay in the area typically ranges between $1.80 and $3.00 per hour, depending on the nature of international flights and domestic travel, providing tax advantages as well. In a market with numerous employer types—from major U.S. carriers like Delta and American Airlines to low-cost and regional airlines—hourly rates can differ significantly. Some flight attendants may choose to accept positions that offer lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Moreover, negotiation plays a key role; understanding the market conditions and leveraging one’s experience can lead to better hourly compensation in Needham, particularly in this competitive sector.
More salary data for Needham, 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 Needham. 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 Needham 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