Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Bristol, RI runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,049 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the flight attendant hourly pay in Bristol, Rhode Island, is projected to be $30.49, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.02. This compensation reflects the dynamics of part-time work, where a flight attendant working three days a week could balance their earnings within a flexible schedule without the typical 40-hour weekly constraint of full-time roles. As attendants often take on duties aboard various aircraft types like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, the hourly wage encompasses not only in-flight responsibilities but also critical functions performed on the ground, such as in hotel layovers and briefings at base airports. The hourly range runs from an entry-level rate of $17.68 (P10) to $47.25 (P90) for seasoned professionals, illustrating significant earning potential based on experience and seniority within different airlines operating in the area.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.68 | $141.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.77 | $198.19 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.02 | $312.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.25 | $378.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $63,414 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,585. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.50 | $5,285 | $63,414 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.70 | $3,171 | $38,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.80 | $2,114 | $25,366 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Bristol) | $30.49 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $63,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $66,959.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,049/year (purchasing power: $37,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,414/year (purchasing power: $63,099).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Bristol grew 12.3% from $26.76/hr (2019) to $30.04/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.94/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Considering the realities of being a flight attendant in Bristol, part-time workers can expect to bring home less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a part-time flight attendant working 24 hours a week might earn around $38,000 annually, which reflects a distinct lifestyle choice. Additionally, per diem flight attendant pay in Bristol typically ranges from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour, especially for international trips, significantly increasing effective hourly earnings during long-haul routes, sometimes hitting effective rates of $50-$80 per hour when including per diem. This performance can vary widely based on the employer, with major US airlines like Delta and American providing structured pay scales based on seniority, while regional carriers often present lower pay ranges. Ultimately, flight attendants must weigh hourly compensation against benefits packages, as some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health insurance options. Those negotiating for pay should emphasize their experience and flexibility, sharing how they can adapt to the varying demands of different airline sectors within Bristol and beyond.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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