Flight Attendant Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $30.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a flight attendant working in Fairfax, VA runs $30.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,576 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, the flight attendant hourly pay is set at a median of $30.57, slightly below the national median of $31.02. This rate reflects the compensation structure for flight attendants who work in various environments such as commercial aircraft cabins, including popular aircraft models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, as well as during hotel layovers in premium properties. For part-time attendants working three days a week, typically 24 hours, this hourly rate offers a substantial income, especially when factoring in per diem payments associated with travel, which can significantly enhance earnings in this role. The hourly range for flight attendants in Fairfax extends from an entry-level rate of $17.73 to the higher echelons reaching $47.38 for top earners, creating opportunities for both novices and veterans.
About the Fairfax 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) | $17.73 | $141.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.16 | $201.27 |
| Median (P50) | $30.57 | $244.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.12 | $313.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.38 | $379.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $30.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.57/hr, a flight attendant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $63,583 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,683. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.75 | $5,299 | $63,583 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.65 | $3,179 | $38,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.10 | $2,119 | $25,433 |
Compare FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flight Attendant (Fairfax) | $30.57 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $63,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% lower than the national median of $64,527 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $66,572.
Flight Attendant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.57/hr = $38,150/year (purchasing power: $36,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,583/year (purchasing power: $61,612).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for flight attendants in Fairfax grew 12.3% from $26.83/hr (2019) to $30.12/hr (2025). At a 1.49% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.02/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Earning potential varies widely within the industry, especially for part-time flight attendants. For someone working three days a week, their take-home pay can add up, but it still lags behind full-time employees who benefit from seniority and increased hourly rates. Per diem flight attendant pay in Fairfax represents another layer of income, often amounting to $1.80-$3.00 per hour for international flights and $1.80-$2.30 for domestic. With strategic scheduling, effective pay can rise to an effective rate of $50-$80 per hour, especially during international flights. Differences in hourly rates emerge based on employer type, with major airlines generally offering higher pay and additional benefits compared to low-cost carriers and regional airlines. Some flight attendants might opt for lower-paying jobs with better benefits like health insurance, creating a trade-off in their choice of employer. When negotiating hourly rates in Fairfax, it may be beneficial to weigh the importance of benefits versus pay, while understanding that seniority positions pay significantly more.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for flight attendants in Fairfax in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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