Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $33.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in New Bedford, MA runs $33.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,317 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, flight attendants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.91 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.02. This competitive pay can make a significant difference for those working part-time, such as attending to flights three days a week, as it allows them to earn a satisfactory wage while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly pay varies widely, ranging from $19.68 for entry-level positions up to $52.56 for the most experienced flight attendants. Such earnings are realized while the attendants engage in various duties, including galley service on aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, operating in jumpseat positions during takeoff and landing, or managing layover tasks at premium hotels. The estimated hourly rates stem from annual salary data, reflecting the intricate balance between work hours and pay, which is practical for those entering or navigating the profession in New Bedford.
About the New Bedford 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) | $19.68 | $157.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.08 | $224.66 |
| Median (P50) | $33.91 | $271.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.41 | $347.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.56 | $420.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $33.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.91/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $70,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,689. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,356.31 | $5,877 | $70,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $813.79 | $3,526 | $42,317 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.52 | $2,351 | $28,211 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (New Bedford) | $33.91 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $70,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $70,043.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.91/hr = $42,317/year (purchasing power: $39,002).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,528/year (purchasing power: $65,003).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in New Bedford grew 12.3% from $29.76/hr (2019) to $33.41/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.41/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Looking at the income potential for part-time flight attendants in New Bedford, working three days a week can reasonably bring home around $40,120 annually, illustrating a solid take-home figure without the commitment of full-time employment. For many, per diem compensation can significantly augment earnings; per diem rates for flight attendants usually range between $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights, translating into effective hourly rates that can soar as high as $50-$80 during busy travel seasons. However, the nature of per diem work can be unpredictable, especially for junior reserve attendants who might find themselves on standby for unpaid hours. Different types of employers can also affect hourly compensation, with major airlines often offering structured pay scales based on seniority, while regional and low-cost carriers may provide different benefits trade-offs. This results in varying pay experiences, where some may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security. For those in New Bedford, gaining insight into these differences can be a strategic advantage in negotiations for flight attendant hourly pay.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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