Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $34.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Kearny, NJ runs $34.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,153 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, NJ, the flight attendant hourly pay shines at a median rate of $34.58, significantly above the national median of $31.02. This hourly wage provides tangible earnings for part-time and per-diem crew members, who generally operate on varied schedules across commercial aircraft cabins, galley service stations, and during hotel layovers. With an hourly range extending from $21.05 for entry-level positions to $53.59 for top earners, flight attendants in this region traverse a rewarding pay scale influenced by years of service and duties performed. While the pay may fluctuate with the shift from regional airlines to major carriers, it's crucial for prospective flight attendants to recognize these estimates stem from annual salary data adjusted to reflect the hourly dynamics of this profession.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.05 | $168.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.35 | $234.81 |
| Median (P50) | $34.58 | $276.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.25 | $354.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.59 | $428.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $34.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.58/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,493. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,383.11 | $5,993 | $71,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $829.86 | $3,596 | $43,153 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.24 | $2,397 | $28,769 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Kearny) | $34.58 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $71,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $74,366.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.58/hr = $43,153/year (purchasing power: $37,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,921/year (purchasing power: $62,432).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Kearny grew 12.3% from $30.35/hr (2019) to $34.07/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.09/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
For a part-time flight attendant working three days a week, the practical earnings can be lower compared to full-time counterparts, but the flexibility can make this route appealing. Based on a typical 24-hour work schedule, their annual income will depend significantly on shift patterns and available flights. Per-diem flight attendant pay in Kearny can vary from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international trips, and $1.80 to $2.30 for domestic ones. When effectively leveraged, these allowances can elevate an attendant’s effective hourly earnings into the range of $50 to $80, particularly on international turns. However, a seniority-based pay scale means that junior flight attendants may face unpaid waiting periods for call times, which can affect overall take-home pay. The employer type also influences the hourly compensation, as major US carriers tend to offer better benefits compared to low-cost and regional airlines. When negotiating, flight attendants should consider the balance between higher hourly wages and the availability of health benefits, ensuring they choose the right fit for their individual circumstances in Kearny.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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