Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Summit, NJ: $33.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Summit, NJ runs $33.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, NJ, the 2026 projected flight attendant hourly pay is $33.31, reflecting a competitive stance against the national median of $31.02. This favorable rate signifies a promising income for those who work part-time, on average just three days a week. With their time spent primarily on commercial aircraft cabins, galley service stations, and during layovers at premium hotels, part-time flight attendants enjoy flexible schedules while still earning a solid income. For entry-level roles, the hourly pay starts at around $20.62, while experienced attendants can earn up to $51.62 hourly, indicating a significant range influenced by experience, seniority, and operational demands within various carrier types, from major airlines to regional services.
About the Summit 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) | $20.62 | $164.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.48 | $227.82 |
| Median (P50) | $33.31 | $266.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.63 | $341.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.62 | $412.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summit
Based on $33.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.31/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summit, NJ can expect to earn approximately $69,283 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,971. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,332.36 | $5,774 | $69,283 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $799.42 | $3,464 | $41,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.94 | $2,309 | $27,713 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Summit) | $33.31 |
| 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 Summit, NJ earn a median of $69,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,328.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.31/hr = $41,570/year (purchasing power: $36,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,283/year (purchasing power: $60,141).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Summit grew 12.3% from $29.24/hr (2019) to $32.82/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.81/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 Summit 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 Summit
When considering the variability of earnings for flight attendants in Summit, part-time workers can expect to take home significantly less annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours a week can yield a substantial income yet falls short of full-time pay. Additionally, the per diem flight attendant pay in Summit can enhance earnings, with rates fluctuating between $1.80 and $3.00 per hour for international routes. This tax-advantaged income can push effective hourly rates to $50-$80 during busy flight cycles. However, junior reserve flight attendants often face unpaid waiting periods, underscoring the unpredictable nature of on-call work. Hourly rates differ among employers, as major airlines typically provide more comprehensive benefits, while low-cost carriers may offer higher hourly pay without bonuses. It’s crucial for candidates in Summit to articulate their worth during negotiations, taking into account both hourly rate and benefits, especially in a market valued for collective bargaining through unions such as the AFA-CWA and TWU.
More salary data for Summit, 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 Summit. 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 Summit 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