Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $33.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Providence, RI runs $33.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,037 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,418 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Providence, Rhode Island, flight attendants earn a median hourly pay of $33.19, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $31.02. This competitive rate benefits both full-time and part-time attendants, particularly those working three days a week in diverse environments like Boeing 737s, A320s, and other commercial aircraft. For part-time workers, the hourly wage allows for a viable income, even while juggling other commitments. The hourly range across the profession sees entry-level flight attendants earning around $19.25, while experienced flight attendants can command upwards of $51.45. This wage distribution in Providence is indicative of the entry-level opportunities as well as the potential for significant earnings, especially for those in premium positions during flights and layovers at upscale hotels.
About the Providence 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) | $19.25 | $154.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.42 | $211.34 |
| Median (P50) | $33.19 | $265.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.48 | $339.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.45 | $411.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $33.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.19/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $69,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,825. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,327.49 | $5,752 | $69,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.49 | $3,451 | $41,418 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.00 | $2,301 | $27,612 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Providence) | $33.19 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $69,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.99% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 3.10% above the Rhode Island state average of $66,961.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.19/hr = $41,418/year (purchasing power: $41,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,029/year (purchasing power: $68,686).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Providence grew 12.3% from $29.13/hr (2019) to $32.70/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.68/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 Providence 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 Providence
Exploring the earning potential further, a flight attendant working part-time—approximately 24 hours a week—would take home a significantly reduced annual income compared to full-time colleagues, yet the flexibility can be appealing. For those engaged in per diem work, this profession often provides additional pay for meals and incidentals that is not subject to taxes, generally ranging from $1.80 to $3.00 per hour for international flights and lower for domestic routes. In high-demand scenarios, the effective hourly rate during international flights can exceed $50, drastically improving overall compensation. Flight attendants in Providence may find that hourly rates differ depending on the type of airline—major carriers often assure stability and benefits, while low-cost and regional airlines could offer higher base pay but with fewer perks like health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can empower employees to negotiate appropriately for their pay structure while aligning with their personal priorities, whether that's maximizing hourly earnings or seeking out comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Providence, 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 Providence. 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 Providence 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