Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $35.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Ithaca, NY runs $35.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,217 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ithaca, New York, flight attendants can expect a median hourly pay of $35.43, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This hourly rate positions Ithaca above the national average, enabling both full-time and part-time flight attendants to earn a competitive wage. For part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, this translates to potential earnings well above typical retail or hospitality jobs in the region. The hourly pay range for flight attendants in Ithaca stretches from $20.55 for entry-level positions to as much as $54.92 for seasoned professionals. Flight attendants commonly work in commercial aircraft cabins, including popular models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, and may find themselves in various settings such as galley service stations and hotel layovers. When estimating these hourly rates, it's crucial to remember they derive from annual salary projections based on 2025 BLS data, highlighting the attractive nature of this profession in NY.
About the Ithaca Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.55 | $164.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.71 | $229.69 |
| Median (P50) | $35.43 | $283.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.35 | $362.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.92 | $439.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $35.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.43/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $73,695 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,516. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.21 | $6,141 | $73,695 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.32 | $3,685 | $44,217 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $566.88 | $2,456 | $29,478 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Ithaca) | $35.43 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $73,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $74,812.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.43/hr = $44,217/year (purchasing power: $38,151).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,695/year (purchasing power: $63,585).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Ithaca grew 12.3% from $31.10/hr (2019) to $34.91/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.96/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
When examining the income potential for flight attendants working part-time, notable differences arise when considering annual earnings. A flight attendant working three days a week typically accumulates around 1,248 hours annually, leading to an expected gross income of approximately $44,263—far below the earnings of their full-time counterparts. Per-diem compensation, which can range from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour on international flights, adds an enticing layer to the total compensation package, making effective hourly rates soar to between $50 and $80 during busy travel seasons. The variation in hourly rates can be influenced by the type of employer as well. Major U.S. carriers generally have different pay scales compared to low-cost or regional airlines, with corporate aviation also providing unique challenges and benefits. Some flight attendants opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and stability offered by larger airlines, while others may pursue higher hourly rates without such benefits. Potential employees in Ithaca should be prepared to negotiate their rates and consider the full spectrum of compensation, including per diem flight attendant pay, to find the best opportunity in this competitive field.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
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 Ithaca. 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 Ithaca 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