Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $29.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Cleveland, OH runs $29.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,335 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,403 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cleveland, Ohio, the flight attendant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $29.97, slightly below the national median of $31.02. This compensation has particular implications for those in part-time positions or working under per-diem arrangements, who may only be on duty three days a week. Working under these typical conditions, such as within commercial flight cabins on aircraft like the Boeing 737 and A320, often requires flexibility, whether at galley service stations or taking on jumpseat positions during takeoffs and landings. For professionals in this field, the hourly wage varies significantly, ranging from $17.39 for entry-level positions to as high as $46.45 for seasoned flight attendants at the top of the pay scale. Such variability reflects the impact of seniority and the nature of the flying assignments, making the profession both diversified and competitive in the Cleveland region.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.39 | $139.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.41 | $195.27 |
| Median (P50) | $29.97 | $239.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.36 | $306.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.45 | $371.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $29.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.97/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $62,338 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,964. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.80 | $5,195 | $62,338 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.28 | $3,117 | $37,403 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.52 | $2,078 | $24,935 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Cleveland) | $29.97 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $62,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 6.50% above the Ohio state average of $58,531.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.97/hr = $37,403/year (purchasing power: $41,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,338/year (purchasing power: $68,729).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Cleveland grew 12.3% from $26.31/hr (2019) to $29.53/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.42/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Considering part-time flight attendants working 24 hours a week, their annual earnings can present a stark contrast to those in full-time roles. With the right scheduling, a part-time attendant may realistically take home an approximate annual salary that still provides a living wage, but it operates at less than the steady income of full-time counterparts. Furthermore, the dynamics of per-diem pay in Cleveland cannot be overlooked; for instance, per-diem flight attendant pay often ranges from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour on international flights. Numerous flight attendants may see their effective hourly rates surge to between $50 and $80 by factoring in these advantages during long-haul, international trips. Different employers further influence pay rates, as major U.S. carriers typically offer higher compensation contrasted with low-cost or regional airlines, where pay may plummet. While some attendants may prioritize hourly income, they also weigh benefits like health insurance; navigating these trade-offs is essential for those in this sector. Effective negotiation strategies in Cleveland often include leveraging knowledge of industry standards, understanding the nuances of employer compensation structures, and advocating for pay reflective of the skills and responsibilities tied to their roles.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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