Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $30.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Bristol, VA runs $30.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,037 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 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, flight attendants are poised to earn a median hourly rate of $30.79 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $31.02. This hourly pay provides a viable income for those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, where a flight attendant might expect a welcoming cash flow within commercial flight settings, including cabins of Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, or even long-haul routes on aircraft like the Boeing 787. The hourly earnings for flight attendants in the area vary, ranging from an entry-level $18.11 at the 10th percentile to around $47.72 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting the breadth of experience and responsibilities involved in their roles. It's important to acknowledge that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, which highlight pay structures common in the profession.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Flight Attendant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.11 | $144.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.63 | $205.01 |
| Median (P50) | $30.79 | $246.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.41 | $315.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.72 | $381.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $30.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.79/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,950. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (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) | $1,231.68 | $5,337 | $64,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.01 | $3,202 | $38,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.67 | $2,135 | $25,619 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Bristol) | $30.79 |
| 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, VA earn a median of $64,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.76% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 3.80% below the Virginia state average of $66,567.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.79/hr = $38,428/year (purchasing power: $37,237).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,047/year (purchasing power: $62,062).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.79/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 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.25/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 $27.03/hr (2019) to $30.34/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.25/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
When examining the potential for part-time flight attendants in Bristol, a typical three-day workweek could yield significant variability in annual incomes compared to full-time peers. Seasonal fluctuations and varying schedules play a major role in these earnings, with per-diem pay adding to overall compensation. For flight attendants based in Bristol, per-diem rates for meals and incidentals can range from $1.80 to $2.30 per hour for domestic trips, and up to $3.00 for international flights. This additional tax-advantaged income can boost effective hourly pay to between $50 and $80 during international missions, particularly during high-turn rate assignments. Furthermore, hourly wages can differ significantly based on the carrier type. While major carriers like Delta and American Airlines offer more comprehensive benefits and stability with lower hourly rates, regional operators and low-cost carriers often emphasize higher pay rates but may provide fewer benefits. Negotiating tips vital for hourly workers include understanding the value of benefits like health insurance versus higher per-hour pay, enhancing one's bargaining power when entering discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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