Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $28.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in University City, MO runs $28.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,123 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In University City, Missouri, flight attendants earn a median hourly rate of $28.14, which falls below the national hourly median of $31.02. This rate offers a solid foundation for part-time workers who may be scheduled for three days a week, translating to approximately $1,350 per week before taxes. Given the typical work environment — including commercial aircraft cabins and hotel layovers — flight attendants frequently manage their schedules around flight operations and duty periods. Entry-level positions can begin at an hourly rate of $16.32, while more experienced associates may reach hourly earnings as high as $43.62. These hourly estimates reflect broader salary trends within the airline industry, suggesting that current figures stem from projections based on 2025 BLS data, revealing a pathway for career progression tied to both experience and the type of airline.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.32 | $130.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.83 | $182.60 |
| Median (P50) | $28.14 | $225.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.02 | $288.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.62 | $348.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $28.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.14/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $58,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,772. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.73 | $4,878 | $58,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.44 | $2,927 | $35,123 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.29 | $1,951 | $23,415 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (University City) | $28.14 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $58,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $59,363.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.14/hr = $35,123/year (purchasing power: $39,199).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,538/year (purchasing power: $65,332).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in University City grew 12.3% from $24.70/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.56/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 University City 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 University City
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time flight attendants reveals a different landscape when compared to their full-time counterparts. Working three days a week, a flight attendant could bring home approximately $30,000 annually, a figure that represents a significant working strategy for balancing personal commitments with career aspirations. Additionally, per diem rates can substantially enhance flight attendant pay in University City, ranging from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour, making assignments potentially lucrative, especially for international flights. The reality for many in this role often includes adapting to varying employer pay structures, with major U.S. carriers, low-cost airlines, and regional operations offering diverse hourly rates and benefits. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding the total compensation package, which can differ widely, is key. While top carriers may offer comprehensive health benefits, others might provide higher hourly wages but no health insurance; thus, making informed choices is critical for maximizing overall earnings.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time flight attendants make in University City?
Are flight attendants in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time flight attendant make per year in University City?
Do flight attendants earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 University City. 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 University City 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